The impact of cognitive load on semantic processing in Hausa language in Maiduguri
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Background of the Study
Cognitive load theory posits that the mental effort required for information processing can significantly affect language comprehension, particularly in semantically complex tasks. In Maiduguri, where Hausa is a primary language, the impact of cognitive load on semantic processing is of great interest. Recent studies suggest that increased cognitive load can disrupt the integration of semantic information, leading to reduced comprehension accuracy and slower processing times (Sani, 2023). Hausa, with its rich vocabulary and contextual nuances, presents a unique case for examining how semantic processing is influenced under varying cognitive demands. This study integrates behavioral experiments with eye-tracking and reaction time analyses to explore how cognitive load affects the interpretation of meaning in Hausa sentences. Additionally, the research investigates the role of working memory and attentional resources in mitigating the adverse effects of high cognitive load on semantic integration (Abubakar, 2024). By focusing on a representative sample of Hausa speakers in Maiduguri, the study aims to elucidate the cognitive mechanisms that underlie semantic processing in challenging linguistic contexts. This research is poised to contribute to both theoretical models of language comprehension and practical approaches in educational and cognitive rehabilitation settings (Mustapha, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
While cognitive load is known to affect language processing, its specific impact on semantic processing in Hausa remains insufficiently explored. Many Hausa speakers in Maiduguri experience difficulties in understanding semantically complex sentences when faced with high cognitive load conditions (Sani, 2023). Existing research has not adequately addressed how factors such as working memory limitations and attentional resource allocation contribute to these comprehension challenges. The lack of context-specific empirical data hampers the development of effective strategies to alleviate cognitive strain during semantic processing. This study seeks to address these gaps by systematically evaluating the effects of cognitive load on semantic interpretation, thereby providing a clearer understanding of the underlying cognitive mechanisms (Abubakar, 2024; Mustapha, 2025).
Objectives of the Study:
1. To investigate the effect of cognitive load on semantic processing in Hausa speakers.
2. To identify the cognitive resources most affected by high cognitive load.
3. To propose strategies for reducing cognitive strain during semantic tasks.
Research Questions:
1. How does increased cognitive load affect semantic processing in Hausa language tasks?
2. Which cognitive resources are most impacted by high load conditions?
3. What strategies can alleviate the negative effects of cognitive load on semantic interpretation?
Significance of the Study :
This study is significant as it clarifies the impact of cognitive load on semantic processing in Hausa, offering insights into the cognitive challenges faced by speakers in high-demand situations. The findings will inform the design of educational materials and cognitive training programs aimed at enhancing language comprehension under stress. Such insights are critical for developing targeted interventions that improve semantic processing and overall communication efficiency (Sani, 2023; Abubakar, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study is limited to assessing the impact of cognitive load on semantic processing in Hausa language among speakers in Maiduguri, focusing on behavioral and experimental measures without extending to other cognitive domains.
Definitions of Terms:
• Cognitive Load: The total amount of mental effort being used in working memory.
• Semantic Processing: The interpretation and integration of meaning in language.
• Hausa Language: A Chadic language widely spoken in Northern Nigeria.
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Chapter One: Introduction
