Today, TV introduces us to different languages whether we like it or not. Not only do we have shows such as Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!, but commercials also throw in different languages as well. The most familiar commercial with a foreign language phrase is Taco Bell's Chihuaha saying: "Yo quiero Taco Bell!" meaning "I want Taco Bell!" Another example of a commercial with a different language is for Old El Paso Taco. In this commercial you see a father nailing into a table so that he can make a taco stand up straight, so it won't fall over and lose all of its contents. The son then asks in Spanish "What if it had a flat bottom?"
TV shows that actually teach your child various phrases from a foreign language include: Dora the Explorer; Go, Diego, Go!; Ni Hao, Kai-lan; and Sesame Street. Back in 1989, Sesame Street had a special (Big Bird in Japan) where Big Bird goes to Japan and teaches children phrases such as "Good Morning" - "Ohayoo"; "one" - "ichi"; "two" - "ni"; "three" - "san"; "Thank You" - "Arigato"; "Please" - "Douzo"; etc. In 1983, Sesame Street did a special (Big Bird in China: Learning Mandarin for the Olympics) where Big Bird went to China. Big Bird learns phrases like: "Hello" - "Ni hao"; "Goodbye" - "Zai jian"; and "I love you" - "Wo ai ni." Shows like Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go! allow kids to learn Spanish. Ni Hao, Kai-lan is a show that teaches children Mandarin. These shows give children a fun way to learn a foreign language. They'll have the child shout out stuff like "Rapido!" to have the dolphin swim faster. The characters of the show will also greet the audience in their spoken language. For instance, Kai-lan will say Ni hao to the children whereas, Diego and Dora will say Hola.
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