Reading Journal: Research Ideas

So I'm having some difficulty coming up with a research project. I'm interested in so many different things it is tough for me to pinpoint one idea and run with it. I know that I'll be putting a lot of effort into whatever area of study I choose to research, and I think I fear that it won't end up as fulfilling to me as I had hoped. This aside, I know that the trip to India will be what I make of it, and that I will have the opportunity while I'm there to immerse myself in a variety of things that are interesting to me and will provide valuable learning experiences.

I am going to list my interests, brainstorm some of my research ideas just to get them down, and then discuss which limitations each of these may carry with them. I'll also write about how each of these ideas would aid me in learning about the culture in southern India.

I'm interested in music, and am passionate about art. I enjoy working with children and love athletics and the outdoors. I've thought about researching a caste of musicians in southern India who travel to different regions to perform at various events and ceremonies, as I understand it. I would love learning about the music culture of these people. It would be interesting to experience the different and traditional styles of music, what instruments they play, and compare and contrast the contemporary music styles in the U.S. to that of India. Another interesting aspect of this would be to learn of the caste system. What it means to be in this caste of musicians, if this lifestyle is passed along through familial lines, how they are regarded among other castes, etc.

I have also tossed around the idea of researching the methodology and lifestyle of farming and farmers in this region. I would find it fascinating to learn of the practices they use, what agriculture is grown, and which foods are most commonly harvested and produced. Along with this idea, I would be very interested in researching nutrition in India. What foods they eat, what nutritional value these foods provide, and how the Indian diet compares to that of the U.S. The aspect of studying about the castes could also apply to this area of research. A limitation with this idea however, is that I am much more familiar with music in the U.S. than I am with farming methods. Thus, studying the musical culture of India seems like it would come easier to me than if I were to study farming culture.

Master Magician

The video is a little lengthy. But imagine the guy in the chair. He wishes it will never end. 

If this is life in India, I may not leave. Cosmic energy dream come true.

  

Kolaveri Di

This song today is a mix between Tamil and English, exactly what I will be speaking while in Tamil-Nadu. I think that's  why it instantly connected with me. Besides it being as catchy as anything you've ever heard. 

Don't believe me? Go ahead and click that. 41 million people agree with me. 

Gulab Jamun

Grease-ball doughnut hole soaked in a cup of yellow sugar water isn't the only reason i'm already stoked for India. But it may now be in my top three.

still-life pose

Yesterday in our Field Study Preparation class, we discussed nonverbal communication in American culture. We also learned some new words. Don't know what they mean? Click on that. And be taken away.

Fancy words of the Day:  Proxemics, Kinesics  

So they gave us an assignment. The formal name of which is "Participant Observation." Basically go out to some social setting and observe gestures, mannerisms, body movement. And document it. Our Field Studies teacher Ashley taught us that a social situation requires three components. Actors, activities, and a place.

If you're interested in what I did for my assignment, please read on. If you are getting bored with this post already today, click here.

My story takes place in a cozy little building called The Great Salt Lake Guitar Co., located on Center Street in what is called downtown Provo. Neat place. Check it out. I was playing a show last night with some friends of mine, and I went with the intent to observe. Here are my findings:

• Signs of approval - If someone on stage did something the audience enjoyed, the crowd would clap their hands, sometimes even cheer or whistle. General body language of certain people also showed varying levels of interest or involvement in the show. Those sitting on the edge of their seat or standing up and responding to what was happening on stage by commenting or shouting appraisals to the performers were more invested in the performance. At certain points during the performance, the crowd would join in with clapping on beat with the music. 
• Signs of disinterest - Some members of the audience sat throughout the show more sunken in their seats, or standing with arms folded. Not always watching the performance. 
• Signs of confidence, or lack thereof - Some performers seemed more confident than others. Looking into the audience, bold or dramatic gestures showed more confidence on stage. Nervous swaying from side to side, shifting of weight and shaky hands showed lack of confidence, as well as down-cast eyes.

These all seem pretty normal. I think I could have guessed all of those forms of non-verbal communication, because I'm used to this culture and that type of setting. But it was interesting to think about. It would be even more interesting to know how body language and mannerisms would change in a similar event of a different culture.