Background of the Study
Language immersion is an educational approach that immerses learners in a language-rich environment, facilitating natural language acquisition and enhancing cognitive flexibility. In Kano, Hausa language learners participating in immersion programs are exposed to extensive real-life language use, which may stimulate cognitive processes associated with task-switching and adaptive thinking. Cognitive flexibility, a component of executive function, is essential for navigating complex linguistic and social contexts, enabling learners to switch efficiently between different tasks or languages (Suleiman, 2023). Immersion environments create opportunities for learners to engage with diverse language registers and cultural contexts, thereby fostering both linguistic competence and cognitive adaptability. This study examines the effect of language immersion on cognitive flexibility among Hausa language learners by comparing performance on executive function tasks between immersed learners and those in traditional language classrooms. Neuropsychological tests and behavioral assessments are employed to measure improvements in cognitive flexibility, with the goal of determining whether immersive learning environments provide significant cognitive benefits (Abubakar, 2024; Musa, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Although language immersion is widely regarded as beneficial for language acquisition, its specific impact on cognitive flexibility among Hausa language learners in Kano has not been thoroughly investigated. Standard classroom settings may not offer the same level of linguistic and cognitive engagement as immersion environments. This gap in research limits our understanding of how immersive experiences contribute to the development of executive functions such as cognitive flexibility, which is critical for academic and social success. Without targeted studies, educational stakeholders cannot fully capitalize on the potential cognitive benefits of language immersion. It is therefore essential to assess whether immersive learning environments significantly enhance cognitive flexibility in Hausa learners (Suleiman, 2023; Musa, 2025).
Objectives of the Study:
1. To compare cognitive flexibility in Hausa language learners in immersion versus traditional settings.
2. To evaluate improvements in executive function as a result of language immersion.
3. To develop recommendations for optimizing immersion programs.
Research Questions:
1. How does language immersion impact cognitive flexibility in Hausa learners?
2. What executive functions are most improved through immersion?
3. What best practices can enhance immersion outcomes in Kano?
Significance of the Study :
This study is significant as it explores the cognitive benefits of language immersion for Hausa language learners in Kano. Findings will inform educational practices by demonstrating how immersion enhances executive functions, particularly cognitive flexibility, thus supporting more effective language instruction and overall cognitive development (Suleiman, 2023; Musa, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study is limited to evaluating the impact of language immersion on cognitive flexibility among Hausa language learners in Kano, using behavioral assessments and neuropsychological tests.
Definitions of Terms:
• Language Immersion: An instructional approach where learners are surrounded by and use the target language exclusively.
• Cognitive Flexibility: The mental ability to switch between thinking about different concepts.
• Executive Function: A set of cognitive processes including planning, working memory, and inhibitory control.
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