"Breaking in" to reading papers in an unfamiliar field?
You could use a database, thorough your university library for example, to search for papers in your area of interest (with keywords or author names etc). This will help you see what others are researching and publishing and to determine if that is what you want to do too.

Reading relevant blogs and forums (that deal with same or similar topics as the one/s you're interested in) may also give you some ideas. 

Similarly, talking to academics you may wish to work with is a good idea, as already suggested to you by others. 

I would also make sure that the academic I am working with is someone who is going to be supportive (and have time for me) to make sure that I get some help (rather than being completely on my own). If this relationship doesn't work, your job is going to be much harder. You can change direction of your research later in the degree or post graduation.