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

Authors

  • Slavina Lozanova Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Bulgaria

Keywords:

foreign language teaching, Bulgarian Sign Language, deaf learners, bilingual approach, Bulgarian fingerspelling, International fingerspelling

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.

Author Biography

  • Slavina Lozanova, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Bulgaria

    Chief Asst. Prof. Slavina Lozanova, Ph.D., is a full-time lecturer at the Department of Special
    Pedagogy, FESA, SU “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Bulgaria.
    Her scientific interests are in sign languages and developing educational materials in Bul-
    garian sign language for deaf children and students. There are over 20 publications and studies.
    In 2023, the book “Semiotic Aspects of Bimodal Bilingualism Analysis of Bulgarian Sign Lan-
    guage” was published.
    Chief Asst. Prof. Slavina Lozanova, Ph.D., is a sign language interpreter with over ten years
    of experience.
    She is an auditory-speech therapist, part of the cochlear implantation team at the Military
    Medical Academy, Sofia.

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Published

30.07.2025

Issue

Vol. 117 (2024)

Section

Articles