TEACHING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE TO DEAF STUDENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE BILINGUAL APPROACH TO EDUCATION – SPECIFICS AND ADAPTATION

Abstract

This article introduces a framework for teaching foreign languages in English, specifically designed for young deaf learners according to the sign bilingual approach to education. The framework is based on the cognitive and linguistic abilities of these learners and emphasizes the need to adapt, modify, and restructure educational content to meet their communicative abilities and cultural identity. The article includes guidelines and techniques for teaching English using Bulgarian Sign Language, Bulgarian fingerspelling, and International fingerspelling, as well as suggestions for using video recordings to make the content accessible to deaf learners.