Interactive Doll ‘Madina’ Brings Language and Culture to Life for Children
Available in markets and select stores, 'Madina' has gained widespread support.
NALCHIK — A new interactive doll, Madina, is captivating children and parents alike with its unique ability to sing, tell stories, and teach rhymes in eight Caucasian languages, all while wearing a traditional national dress. Created by Lyusenya Getadzhieva, an oncologist from Kabardino-Balkaria, the doll serves as a cultural ambassador for the region, providing families with an engaging way to connect with their heritage.
Inspired by Parenthood and Language
Lyusenya Getadzhieva, who returned to Kabardino-Balkaria from Moscow with her husband after the birth of their daughter, Amelia, shared the inspiration behind Madina. “We decided to raise Amelia speaking only Circassian, and by the age of two and a half, she was fluent. It made us realise how much modern toys and cartoons, predominantly in Russian, impact language development from a very young age. That’s when the idea for a Circassian-speaking doll came to life.”
Getadzhieva’s husband, IT specialist Aslan Kirzhinov, immediately supported the idea and helped bring it to fruition. After an extensive search for manufacturers in Russia proved prohibitively expensive, they partnered with suppliers in China to produce a small initial batch. “It was important to make the doll affordable for families from all income levels,” said Getadzhieva.
Aslan Kirzhinov & Lyusenya Getadzhieva
A Doll for Everyone
Designed with a Caucasian aesthetic and dressed in traditional attire, Madina is not only a first for Kabardino-Balkaria but has also garnered attention beyond the region. Local actors, educators, and friends contributed to the development of educational content. The doll features songs, stories, and rhymes in eight languages: Circassian (Kabardian dialect), Balkar, Chechen, Ossetian, Lezgin, Avar, Kumyk, and Dargin.
Renowned local artists lent their voices to the project, including Fatima Chekhmakhova, Kabardino-Balkaria’s Honoured Artist, who voiced the Circassian version. “For one of the recordings, Fatima had to cry to capture the emotional weight of the scene,” Getadzhieva explained. The Balkar-language version was voiced by Fatima Mamaeva, another Honoured Artist of the region.
Cultural Preservation Through Play
Beyond language, Madina serves a deeper purpose: preserving cultural identity. “Modern families often have limited contact with grandparents, making it harder for children to inherit languages and traditions,” said Getadzhieva. “We hope this doll becomes a tool for parents to teach their children their mother tongue and instil a sense of cultural pride.”
Child psychologist Valeriy Apayev praised the toy, calling it “a positive addition to children’s development” and highlighting its thoughtful design. “The colour scheme is well-chosen, the doll’s facial features are beautifully crafted, and the toy promotes both emotional and linguistic growth.”
Expanding Horizons
Currently available in markets and select children’s stores, Madina has received overwhelming support, with local influencers promoting the doll for free on their platforms. This success has inspired the creators to consider new ideas, including toys for older children.
“This doll is more than just a toy; it’s a contribution to the preservation of our national languages and culture,” said Getadzhieva. “We’re optimistic about what we can achieve in the future.”