Background of the Study
Aging is associated with changes in neural structure and function, which can affect language comprehension. In Hausa speakers, language processing involves intricate phonetic and syntactic elements that may be particularly vulnerable to age-related neural decline. Research indicates that older adults may exhibit altered activation patterns in brain regions associated with language, such as the left inferior frontal gyrus and the temporal lobes (Suleiman, 2023). These neural changes can result in slower processing speeds and reduced comprehension accuracy. This study investigates the effect of aging on the neural correlates of language comprehension in Hausa speakers by comparing neuroimaging data from younger and older individuals during language tasks. The research will utilize techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and behavioral assessments to examine how aging impacts the efficiency of neural processing in language comprehension. Findings from this study are expected to enhance our understanding of the neurocognitive consequences of aging and inform interventions aimed at mitigating language decline among older Hausa speakers (Abubakar, 2024; Musa, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Although aging is known to influence neural processing, there is limited research on its specific impact on language comprehension in Hausa speakers. Existing studies often generalize findings from other populations without addressing the unique linguistic and cultural aspects of Hausa. This gap limits our understanding of how age-related neural changes affect language processing in this group, potentially hindering the development of effective interventions to maintain language function in older adults. Addressing this gap is critical for devising strategies that can mitigate the effects of cognitive aging on language comprehension (Suleiman, 2023; Musa, 2025).
Objectives of the Study:
1. To compare neural activation patterns during language comprehension between younger and older Hausa speakers.
2. To assess the impact of aging on language processing efficiency.
3. To propose interventions to support language comprehension in older adults.
Research Questions:
1. How does aging affect neural correlates of language comprehension in Hausa speakers?
2. What differences in brain activation are observed between younger and older adults?
3. Which interventions can mitigate age-related declines in language processing?
Significance of the Study :
This study is significant as it examines the impact of aging on the neural basis of language comprehension in Hausa speakers, providing valuable insights for developing interventions to preserve language function in older adults. The findings will enhance our understanding of cognitive aging in indigenous language contexts (Suleiman, 2023; Musa, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study is limited to investigating neural correlates of language comprehension in Hausa speakers of different ages using fMRI and behavioral assessments, without extending to other cognitive domains.
Definitions of Terms:
• Neural Correlates: Brain regions and activities associated with cognitive processes.
• Language Comprehension: The process of understanding spoken or written language.
• Aging: The process of becoming older, often associated with cognitive decline.
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