Practice of Watching and Following Hindi Cartoons among Bangladeshi Children: A Study in Dhaka City

Abstract

This study investigates the sociolinguistic and cultural effects of Hindi-dubbed cartoons on Bangladeshi children, with a specific focus on urban centers in Dhaka. It aims to understand how sustained exposure to foreign-language media particularly Hindi during formative linguistic stages shape children’s speech behavior, peer interactions, and cultural preferences. The f indings reveal that nearly all children watch Hindi-dubbed cartoons daily, while about 57% integrate Hindi phrases often unconsciously into daily conversation, including in school and home environments. This linguistic hybridity is reinforced by peer dynamics, parental permissiveness, and the acute shortage of engaging Bangla-language media. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations at multiple levels: policy reform to mandate Bangla dubbing of imported content, investment in localized animation and storytelling, school-based media literacy education, and parental awareness programs. Overall, the study contributes empirical evidence to the debate on media induced linguistic shift and offers actionable insights for language preservation, cultural policy, and child media regulation in Bangladesh.

Mother Language, 2025; 9 (2): 114-142