Tibetan version of the British cartoon series promotes language learning and is a “heartfelt offering” to the Dalai Lama, who turns 90 later this year.
-By Radio Free Asia Tibetan
Peppa Pig – the beloved character in the children’s animated series – now speaks Tibetan.
U.S.-based non-profit Tibet Fund on Wednesday announced the launch of the popular children’s cartoon show in the Tibetan language.
The New York-based fund says the effort is aimed at strengthening Tibetan language education for young learners and preserving their cultural and linguistic identity – something that’s increasingly precarious within Tibet itself, where Chinese authorities require children to learn in Mandarin language instead.
Since Peppa Pig is already so well-loved, we’ve seen a lot of excitement among Tibetan children – unlike other cartoon characters I’ve dubbed in the past,” said Tenzin Choekyi, who voiced Peppa and at least seven other characters.
Created by Neville Astley and Mark Baker, Peppa Pig first aired on British television in 2004, aimed at pre-schoolers. It has since become a global phenomenon as millions of children around the world took to the story of the female pig named Peppa and her life with her family and friends.
Already available in 40 different languages, the Tibetan version of Peppa Pig is now available to watch on a dedicated YouTube channel, with new episodes set to be released each week.
A total of 104 episodes over two series have been produced in Tibetan, after Tibet Fund obtained the license from the makers of Peppa Pig in 2024.
“This is another milestone in our efforts to expand access to excellent quality Tibetan language content for young learners. I hope these videos make learning Tibetan a playful, joyful experience for Tibetan children,” said Bob Ankerson, president of the Tibet Fund.
The Tibetan-language production of Peppa Pig is also a “heartfelt offering” to the Dalai Lama, who turns 90 later this year, and an effort to contribute to the Tibetan spiritual leader’s vision of preserving the Tibetan language and culture, Ankerson said. Click here to read more.
