Cognitive effects of learning Kannada as an additional language among young adults: an intervention study with methodological recommendations

Learning an additional language has been linked to cognitive benefits, especially in older adults and those with cognitive impairments. However, it remains unclear whether such benefits extend to Young Adults (YAs). This study explored the effects of learning Kannada, a Dravidian language spoken in Karnataka, on the cognitive abilities of healthy YAs (ages 18–25) who had no prior exposure to Dravidian languages and had recently migrated to Karnataka for educational purposes. Given YAs’ engagement with mobile-based technology, a self-directed, interactive, feedback-driven, application-based Kannada language training program was used. The experimental group (EG, N = 23) completed 10 days of Kannada language training, practicing for 60 minutes daily, while the control group (CG, N = 23) received no training. Results showed significant improvements in Kannada language proficiency in the EG, as measured by the Language Experience and Proficiency Questionnaire Kannada (LEAP-Q). However, no significant cognitive improvements were observed in the EG compared to the CG after the training period. Nevertheless, participants in the EG reported self-perceived cognitive benefits. The lack of cognitive gains could be attributed to study methodology, short training duration, and participants' multilingual backgrounds. The study suggests further research to optimize training for assessing objective cognitive gains.