Nickelodeon, the leading entertainment brand for kids, is celebrating SpongeBob SquarePants’ 25th anniversary this year. To commemorate this momentous occasion, and as part of the ‘Nick in Your Language’ initiative, Nickelodeon will broadcast three seasons of SpongeBob SquarePants in three languages; English, isiZulu and, for the first time in history, Afrikaans. Starting 17 June on NickToons (DStv Channel 308), South Africans are encouraged to “Live Like a Sponge” and soak up local languages with their favourite sea-sponge!
According to the United Nations (2018), conservative estimates suggest that by the year 2100 more than half of the world’s languages will be extinct. Less conservative estimates suggest that by the end of this century, more than 90% of all languages will be forever lost. Indigenous languages make up the majority of the languages that are under threat and it is believed that one indigenous language dies every two weeks. These sobering numbers highlight the importance of promoting and preserving our local languages, and ensuring that our kids are learning to speak local languages and keep them alive.
SpongeBob SquarePants enthusiasts, of all ages, can now experience the underwater adventures of SpongeBob and his friends in their mother tongue or use it as a fun way to learn a new language. Nickelodeon is committed to helping preserve local languages with their “Nick in Your Language” project, an exciting initiative aimed at promoting inclusivity and cultural diversity in children’s entertainment across South Africa.
Earlier this year Nickelodeon launched PAW Patrol in isiZulu and Nickelodeon plans to dub more popular shows into local languages, allowing young viewers to enjoy their favorite programs in their preferred languages.
Dillon Khan, Vice President of Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Studios & Creative Services (Africa), expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “We’re thrilled to be able to offer SpongeBob SquarePants fans the opportunity to celebrate his 25th anniversary in local languages. It’s the first time we have dubbed a Nickelodeon show into Afrikaans. The ‘Nick in Your Language’ project is a celebration of cultural diversity, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity in children’s entertainment.”
Selecting your preferred language is as easy as fishpaste, simply press OPTIONS on your DStv remote, scroll down to LANGUAGE and select your preferred language.
sense of belonging and unity among children across South Africa.
SpongeBob SquarePants in Afrikaans (isiZulu snd English) will premiere on the NickToons, DStv channel 308, Mon-Friday starting 17 June at 08:00 CAT and repeating at 15:00 CAT.
