A description of where and when your language or dialect developed, i.e., a brief history and and evolution of your language or dialect.

Your research paper is the final result of your accumulated learning from all previous stages. It is a discussion of the main topic and issues you have chosen to study and it should reflect what you have learned from reviewing bibliographic sources and conducting interviews with your relatives. 

Your paper needs to cover the following: 

• A description of where and when your language or dialect developed, i.e., a brief history and and evolution of your language or dialect.
• A detailed explanation and examples of the distinctive features of your language or dialect. Consider sounds, words, sentences (grammar, syntax, phonetics, pronunciation, accent, lexicon). 
• A discussion of the present and past cultural context(s) for the use of your language/dialect. You may consider literature, music, food, specific groups, among relevant cultural patterns.
• A description of the socio-economic implications of using your language/dialect as identified by scholars and as experienced by you or your relatives. This may include among other things access to social groups, migration, education and jobs, social perceptions, etc. 
• Direct experience with the language or dialect as told by your relatives in testimonies collected through interviews. 

In addition to bibliographic references, your paper needs to include first-hand data collected from family members through interviews about their experience with the language or dialect. This information also needs to be clearly referenced, as indicated below. 

Your paper should follow the norms for research papers in organization, language, and development. Include an introductory section (one or two paragraphs), thematic sections, and a conclusive statement. 

Format guidelines for your paper: 

• Your paper should be at least 1,500 words (excluding bibliography and heading).
• On your paper, type in your name, date, and the assignment topic. Give your assignment a title.
• Number your pages.
• Use and cite three or more scholarly, peer-reviewed academic sources from UMGC library databases.
• Your paper should be double-spaced, with one-inch margins. Please use a font such as Times New Roman, 12 point.
• Keep your standard English straightforward and check your spelling and grammar carefully. Poor spelling and grammar will affect your grade.
• Please use in-text citations in AAA or APA style. Indicate which style you are using.
• List all documents cited in a Reference List at the end of your paper.
• When you save your document, in the Save As space, please write your last name first. (e.g., Gutenberg, J. , Research Paper.)