At last! But not really: A report on my report

     I was able to meet with my supervisor this last week and start getting some new direction for my master's report.  This is the first time we've met this semester, which would almost be scary except that we're using a term paper from last semester as the basis for the report.
     It's actually kind of exciting to be working on it.  It's a subject I rather enjoy and I am finally starting to understand how researching works.  I've picked up bits and pieces of how to research from various classes and tips from fellow grad students (mainly my wife).  So while many papers have been awful to try to write, this one is actually fun.  Mostly.  I think that doing it on a subject and question that I'm curious about is the other biggest factor.  If indeed I go on to a PhD, it's something I can develop.
     The rough part is that I have to flesh out a good draft in about 3 weeks.  That's not a long time.  Considering I read the average textbook at about 10 pages an hour and also how many articles I need to use for my paper and it's a little daunting.  Fortunately I've just started learning how to read like a grad student this semester.  And also fortunately, it's a field that I've read about off and on for a few years.
     All in all, I'm kind of excited that I should be able to graduate.  And not only that, I should contribute new information that will actually benefit my field, even if only a little bit.
     The working name of the paper is "Teaching Arabic Vocabulary within a Diglossic Situation."  Meaning: how can we present Arabic vocabulary to students and help them actually learn it and not be totally overwhelmed when they feel like they're learning two languages at the same time.  There's not a ton of literature out there about this exact question, which makes it easier and harder.  Easier because I can stay somewhat general, and also still get something worthwhile out there.  Harder because I can continue other people's studies as easily or directly, and because I generally have less to drawn on.
     Oh well, until May it's just living the dream: changing the world, one comma at a time.