Sonic Hybridity and Identity Formation in Kung Fu Panda: A Transcultural Analysis of Film Music
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Sonic Hybridity and Identity Formation in Kung Fu Panda: A Transcultural Analysis of Film Music

Haoxi Li 1*
1 Aurora & Xinfucheng United International Academy
*Corresponding author: lx_15673@qq.com
Published on 3 September 2025
Volume Cover
LNEP Vol.115
ISSN (Print): 2753-7056
ISSN (Online): 2753-7048
ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-329-1
ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-330-7
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Abstract

In an era of accelerating globalization, animated films increasingly serve as platforms for cross-cultural dialogue and identity negotiation. This paper investigates the role of music in constructing transcultural identities in the Kung Fu Panda film series, with a particular focus on its first installment. Drawing on Anahid Kassabian’s Hearing Film theory and Bhabha’s concept of cultural hybridity, the study explores how the film’s soundtrack functions as a narrative and cultural agent rather than merely a background element. Through close analysis of compositional techniques such as Mickey Mousing and the integration of Western orchestration with traditional Chinese instruments including erhu and pipa, this paper illustrates how Kung Fu Panda creates a sonic fusion that mediates global cultural meanings. The findings suggest that the music enhances emotional depth and comedic timing while bridging Eastern and Western aesthetics. However, the study is limited by the absence of empirical audience reception analysis. Future research could extend the investigation through comparative studies with other culturally hybrid animated films such as Mulan and Coco to better understand diverse musical strategies in globalized cinema.

Keywords:

Film music, Mickey Mousing, cultural hybridity, Kung Fu Panda, transnational cinema

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Li,H. (2025). Sonic Hybridity and Identity Formation in Kung Fu Panda: A Transcultural Analysis of Film Music. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,115,63-69.

References

[1]. Liu, J., Chen, Y., & Huang, S. (2024). Exploring the sociocultural influence of music traditions across different cultures. SHS Web of Conferences, 187, 02008.

[2]. Kassabian, A. (2001). Hearing film: Tracking identifications in contemporary Hollywood film music. Routledge.

[3]. DreamWorks Animation. (2008–2024). Kung Fu Panda [Film series]. Directed by M. Osborne, J. Stevenson, J. Nelson, M. Mitchell, & M. Schreier. DreamWorks Animation.

[4]. Zhou, C. (1981). Film music theory and practice. China Film Press.

[5]. Prendergast, R. M. (1977). Film music: A neglected art. W. W. Norton.

[6]. Nguyen, C. H. K. (2024). Beyond Mickey Mousing: Audiovisual rhythm in animated film musicals and multimedia (Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati).

[7]. Michaud, É. (2019). The total work of art and totalitarianism. Thesis Eleven, 152(1), 3–18. https: //doi.org/xxxxx

[8]. Hasan, S. M. H., Farzeen, S., & Afzal, R. (2025). Reclaiming history: Transnational memory in Kamila Shamsie’s Burnt Shadows. Qualitative Research Journal for Social Studies, 2(2), 312–323.

[9]. Zhou, X. (2005). Critique of cultural modernity. Peking University Press.

References

[1]. Liu, J., Chen, Y., & Huang, S. (2024). Exploring the sociocultural influence of music traditions across different cultures. SHS Web of Conferences, 187, 02008.

[2]. Kassabian, A. (2001). Hearing film: Tracking identifications in contemporary Hollywood film music. Routledge.

[3]. DreamWorks Animation. (2008–2024). Kung Fu Panda [Film series]. Directed by M. Osborne, J. Stevenson, J. Nelson, M. Mitchell, & M. Schreier. DreamWorks Animation.

[4]. Zhou, C. (1981). Film music theory and practice. China Film Press.

[5]. Prendergast, R. M. (1977). Film music: A neglected art. W. W. Norton.

[6]. Nguyen, C. H. K. (2024). Beyond Mickey Mousing: Audiovisual rhythm in animated film musicals and multimedia (Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati).

[7]. Michaud, É. (2019). The total work of art and totalitarianism. Thesis Eleven, 152(1), 3–18. https: //doi.org/xxxxx

[8]. Hasan, S. M. H., Farzeen, S., & Afzal, R. (2025). Reclaiming history: Transnational memory in Kamila Shamsie’s Burnt Shadows. Qualitative Research Journal for Social Studies, 2(2), 312–323.

[9]. Zhou, X. (2005). Critique of cultural modernity. Peking University Press.

Cite this article

Li,H. (2025). Sonic Hybridity and Identity Formation in Kung Fu Panda: A Transcultural Analysis of Film Music. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,115,63-69.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

About volume

Volume title: Proceeding of ICIHCS 2025 Symposium: The Dialogue Between Tradition and Innovation in Language Learning

ISBN: 978-1-80590-329-1(Print) / 978-1-80590-330-7(Online)
Editor: Heidi Gregory-Mina, Enrique Mallen
Conference website: https://2025.icihcs.org/Huntsville.html
Conference date: 17 November 2025
Series: Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media
Volume number: Vol.115
ISSN: 2753-7048(Print) / 2753-7056(Online)

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