Project Proposal Part 2

For my final project I would like to write a research paper on the effects that technology has on language. Since our discussion in class I now know that I need to approach this paper without a bias or conclusion in mind when going into it. Rather, I would like to observe the change in our language due to technology, without saying if it is a bad or good change. Some changes I expect to see are shorter conversations, more abbreviations and the invention of new words/slang.

I wrote a paper previously on the effects of technology on empathy and when writing that paper I noticed a cross over between empathy and language. That is what sparked my interest in this topic. For what is empathy without the ability to express it through language? My first paper on empathy and technology, which I wrote for Kevin O'neill's class, revved my interest so much that I am very excited to be exploring it further.

I have chosen to write a research paper because I think that I will be able to get the most out of the project this way.  I believe there will be many articles on the web about my topic and I have also found a few books related to it as well. I believe I will be able to produce the most information this way. That being said, some of my research may include a few short interviews with people. I have not fully decided yet, but I may include a few quotes in my essay from questions I ask people.

Some questions I have about my project are:

• Is anyone doing a project similar to mine, and would they like to try and pair up for some of it? 
• Kirk, do you want me to draw a conclusion of my own in the end? Or remain completely objective throughout the entire paper? 
• Is there any way to narrow down my topic so that it doesn't turn into a twenty page paper?