“Slangman’s World” Set to Debut on American Forces Network
Nov 13 2008
The animated TV series Slangman’s World is set to air on American Forces Network (AFN) on January 5, 2008. This will be one of AFN’s first original children’s programs in its sixty-six-year history.
The Slangman’s World show is a vehicle for introducing children to foreign languages and cultures through music, animation, and magic. It’s Dr. Seuss meets a language-based Blue’s Clues. Slangman – a live-action, quirky, fun-loving wizard and inventor – interacts with the animated characters as well as the kids at home, encouraging them to participate in each learning adventure. In his enchanted multicultural house, each character serves a specific function to help children broaden their language skills and their view of the world.
The show stars David Burke, who became known as “Slangman” from his 6-year regular radio spot on Voice of America. Burke not only performs as host of the show, he also does the voices of all of the characters for Slangman’s World. Additionally, Burke writes the score, songs, and lyrics for each episode. “Music is an integral part of our show,” explains Burke. “Our goal is to make sure that kids have fun as they sing in different languages. But we adults will know the truth – that the kids are actually learning!”
The American Forces Network (AFN) has adopted Slangman’s World into the AFNfamily schedule. The show is set to broadcast regularly starting in Q4 of 2008, with a goal of helping military families integrate into their new environments overseas. Chief of Television Larry Marotta says enthusiastically, “In all my experience, there has never been a more exciting, engaging, and effective way to learn a foreign language.”
