6 pages

sample_research_plan.pdf

LIN200 Fall 2015

Prepared by Alex Motut, LWTA Linguistics Fall 2015

How Do I Write My Research Plan (Paper Proposal) & Annotated Bibliography? Part I: Going from Topic to Research Question & Research Plan (Paper Proposal)

Example Given Topic: (Note: This is not one of the possible topics for LIN200 Fall 2015). Language standardization can provoke contentious debate. One could argue that language standardization inhibits or stigmatizes natural linguistic change. On the other hand, language standardization can help preserve and protect a language, and there are reasons why standardization is useful. Choose a position in this debate and defend with reference to the literature. Make reference to language change, language diversity, and the prescriptive/descriptive distinction.

• Note: “make reference to…” are tips. You do not have to reference all of these sub-‐areas in your essay.

• To write you Research Plan/Paper Proposal, do not simply restate the topic as it is written. See below how we go from the “Given Topic” to the “Research Plan” (and also see the slides from the Topic Development Workshops about developing your Research Question, which have been posted on Blackboard.)

Sample Research Plan/Paper Proposal: I will defend the position that language standardization has positive effects on language because it helps preserve languages. (This is the “choose a topic and position” part.) In particular, I will specifically argue that standardizing an endangered language helps preserve that language because it supports revitalization efforts by facilitating the production of language learning resources. (This is the research question, which is a relvant and focused narrowing of the topic, going beyond just a restatement of the topic.) I will support this position by looking at two specific cases from the literature where researchers have argued that revitalization efforts of endangered languages were supported by increased standardization of language that happened around the same time (Arman 2001, Werner 1999). The first case is the revitalization of the Jhar language in Jharbekistan at the beginning of the 17th century (Arman 2001), where standardization co-‐incided with the emergence of a revitalization effort, and where the availability of language-‐learning resources played a crucial role. The second case is the revitalization of the Mancic language, where Werner (1999) has argued that standardization was a crucial part of the success of revitalization efforts in the mid 1960’s, in part due to the increased efficacy of language resources.1 I will also address counterarguments that standardization leads to language decline by reviewing Harman’s (2004) arguments for the role of standardization in language revitalization. (This is the “review the literature” part where you also state how your sources will help you support your argument(s). You could elaborate a bit here, and you should indicate how you will engage with/argue against the opposing side or potential counter-arguments.) I will conclude by arguing that the evidence in these cases shows that

1 Note: these are made-up languages, country names, and sources, for illustrative purposes. You of course will not be allowed to make up languages, countries, or sources in your assignment. 

LIN200 Fall 2015

Prepared by Alex Motut, LWTA Linguistics Fall 2015

revitalization efforts of endangered languages like Mancic and Jhar are supported by an increase in linguistic and pedagogical resources made available as a result of language standardization efforts, as well as by increased interest and commitment to revitalization that can occur alongside standardization efforts. (Stating how you will argue from the information presented in your sources to your conclusion.) Note: in your Research Plan, you do not need to include the parts written in this font above. These are just helpful hints and comments to guide you through the process.

Part II: Sample Annotated Bibliography Arman, Alexandra. (2001). Revitalization: Jhar, a Case Study. In A. J. Hedde (Ed.), Jhar: The

Language and its People (pp. 67-‐90). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

(Citation in APA format – First source: chapter in a book)

Arman (refer to author by last name) describes the historical decline and subsequent revitalization of Jhar from 1630 -‐ 1680. She identifies two ways in which concurrent standardization efforts contributed to revitalization: increased resource availability and increased community commitment. I will use this as my first case study in supporting my main claim.

(This is the annotation part. Note how the last sentence describes how this source will be used. Word count of annotation = 47 words.)

Harman, George. (2004.) Standardization: Pros and Cons. Language and Culture, 15(2), 134-‐157. Harman (2004) addresses common claims that language standardization is uniformly negative: he argues that standardization itself does not lead to language decline, and that it can be used successfully to help encourage language preservation. I will summarize his three most relevant arguments and apply them to the examples I discuss.

(Second source: article in a print journal. Word count of annotation = 50)

Tips (Do’s and Don’ts): • Do make sure that where you refer to your sources, you cite them properly (see Blackboard

handout titled “How to Avoid Plagiarism”). • Do explain how you will use each source, and what each will contribute to your research plan. • Do give some indication of what you think your conclusion will be and how you will argue for it

(Note: you may change your conclusion later if you find more convincing evidence for a different conlcusion. However, you should not change your overall topic.)

• Do write the Research Plan in your own words: include in-‐text citations and proper paraphrasing, summarizing where appropriate.

• Do not simply restate the topic as given. • Do not include the given topic in your Research Plan/Paper Proposal, as it is above. (This is just

for illustration.) Just include the Research Plan you wrote. (You may write at the top of the page which topic number you have chosen.)

LIN200 Fall 2015

Prepared by Alex Motut, LWTA Linguistics Fall 2015

Werner, John. (1999.) Mancic: How a language was reborn. PLSA Reports: Issues in Language Studies, 33(1), 234-‐239. Retrieved February 12, 2014, from http://plsareports.language/archive/pdfs/123-‐00/34werner_04

Werner discusses the decline and successful revitalization of Mancic in the 1960s. He suggests revitalization was made possible through the increased quality of language learning resources, resulting from a growing emphasis on standardization. This will be my second case study supporting my claim that standardization can support revitalization efforts.

(Third source: article in online-only journal. Word count of annotation = 49) Note: you do not need to include the comments above in this font (these are just helpful tips/comments.) You may include a word count for your annotation if you wish.

Tips (Do’s and Don’ts): • Do choose sources that will help you build your specific arguments. • Do put your sources in alphabetical order by author’s last name. • Do write your annotations in your own words. • Do consult Section 3 (‘Need Help?’) of the Paper Proposal & Annotated Bibliography Guidelines

posted on Blackboard for information on how to find sources and what are acceptable sources. • DO NOT copy and paste from summaries or abstracts of your sources. This may be tempting

but this will be considered plagiarism and could have serious consequences. • Do not exceed the maximum number of words for each annotation. Additional penalties may be

deducted from your assignment if you do. • Don’t choose an entire book as a source – do narrow it down to a specific chapter or subsection

that is the most relevant to your research essay.