An Investigation on the Phonological Mapping Negativity in Konkani-Kannada Bilingual Readers

Phonological Mapping Negativity (PMN) reflects pre-lexical phonological processing and is sensitive to phonological violations. Research shows that any violations in expected phonological patterns often trigger a negative peak in event related potential (ERP) activity around 250–350 milliseconds. Although Konkani (Mangalorean Catholic Konkani dialect) and Kannada have distinct phonological systems, both languages use the Kannada script in the Udupi district.

The primary purpose of this protocol is to investigate PMN in Konkani-Kannada bilingual readers specifically focusing on differences between two groups:

1. Mangalorean Catholic Konkani-Kannada (KK) readers
2. Mangalorean Non-Catholic Konkani-Kannada (NKK) readers

The study hypothesizes that there will be measurable differences in ERP amplitudes around 250–350 ms and behavioral outcomes (reaction time and accuracy) between KK and NKK bilingual readers during nonword reading tasks in Kannada script.

The study will involve 40 participants aged 18 to 40. It includes 20 KK readers and 20 NKK readers based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After giving informed consent each participant will attend a single session where they will undergo EEG setup using the NeuroScan ERP system. In the session they will complete a brief practice task and participate in a reading task involving around 100 Kannada-script nonwords. Brain responses (PMN), reaction times, and reading accuracy will be recorded. This study aims to fill the gap in understanding phonological processing in bilinguals using a non-alphabetic script reading task, an area that is underexplored compared to monolinguals.