Just in case you have been completely out of the loop in recent years, it’s a good idea for you to get familiar with Peppa Pig. Preschoolers absolutely love this little pig, which is a British cartoon directed and produced by Astley Baker Davies and Entertainment One. It first aired in 2004 in the UK.

Although it got its start in the UK, it is now popular worldwide. It follows Peppa, who is a pig on their adventures along with their family and friends. Along with the popular television show, there are plenty of opportunities for parents to spend money by picking up all of the Peppa Pig merchandise.

With the show becoming so popular in the United States, something unexpected is taking place. Preschoolers are the primary audience for this cartoon and it is having an effect on their speech as it is developing. Parents in the United States are turning to social media and say that Peppa is causing their children to speak with a British accent.

It would be one thing if it were only a few people but there are a lot of people making the same claim.

It is now being referred to as the Peppa Effect and it seems to be relatively common. The voice that young children are mimicking is of Harley Bird, a 16-year-old voice actor in the UK. She started voicing the beloved pig when she was only five years old and considering the popularity of the show, it’s no surprise that she makes up to $1300 per hour.

Harley is pocketing some $15,000 per week according to some sources.

“Harley is the most successful teenage voiceover artist in Britain right now. She is hot property and easily earns £1,000 an hour.”

“She’s also difficult to replace as she’s mature enough to be a great actress but still has the distinctive voice families around the world know as Peppa.”

Harley talked about the work producers pulled in to get her to say her lines when they were dealing with such a young child.

“They used to read the lines out to me and I would copy them back. I’ve done Peppa for 11 years now I understand the character, how she speaks and how she would do things.”

She adds, “I have to change voices…I have managed to keep it the same throughout… you have to act through it.”

It’s easy to see why so many children in the United States are picking up on her accent.

I’ll have to admit, it really is adorable!