In celebration of the Chinese New Year, "Peppa Pig" along with other popular preschool shows will be available in Mandarin on ABC iView and ABC Kids View starting 28 January. Asides from "Peppa Pig," other cartoons that would be available in Mandarin include "Peter Rabbit," "The Octonauts," and "Hoopla Doopla!" which is an Australian/Chinese copro.

"Peppa Pig" Celebrates Chinese New Year

This move is initiated by Michelle Guthrie, the controversial Mandarin-speaking managing director of ABC, Herald Sun reported. According to ABC, the Mandarin-dubbed cartoon is done to commemorate the Chinese New Year, which is celebrating the Year of the Rooster. Some 25 percent of Australians speak other languages aside from English, with most of them speaking Mandarin.

Mandarin is important in the country that it is actually part of the language curriculum in Australia's educational system. ABC's programming and digital head Rebecca Heap said ABC Kids aim to bring programs for Australian families that reflect the environment surrounding them. Since Mandarin is another popular language in Australia and is also a fast growing language, ABC wants to bring it to the preschoolers in the country through the cartoons.

"Peppa Pig" in Mandarin

Seven episodes of "Peppa Pig" in Mandarin language will be released with new episodes in that language rolled out everyday throughout February, C21 Media reported. Along with Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, and Brother George will also be in the show, speaking Mandarin. The English dubbed "Peppa Pig" will still be aired simultaneously with the Mandarin version on ABC.

Aside from "Peppa Pig," three episodes of "Hoopla Doopla!" episodes in Mandarin language will be available in Australian schools. ABC Kids will soon offer preschool titles in other languages this year, depending on the feedback of the audience and the availability of the programs. Meanwhile, "Peppa Pig" fans are anticipating the Australian holiday special of the show that will have a 60-minute cinema special premiering on March.