ASL Storytelling Translated Through Written English

Translating ASL Stories to Written English

Problem: I am currently a Bilingual Instructor at Alabama School for the Deaf (ASD). I work with high school students specializing in reading/language. I have identified that Deaf students have difficulty transferring from Language 1 (L1), American Sign Language, to Language 2 (L2), written English. Although the students have an understanding of the concept being taught, their lack of ability to transfer from L1 to L2 has impeded them from accurately expressing the concept in the written form. It is difficult to use bilingual strategies at ASD due to the lack of technology equipment such as video cameras and captioning equipment.

Solution: Step 1: Through the use of video cameras, have the students create a story in American Sign Language (ASL).

Step 2: The teacher will have two versions of videotapes. One version will have captions while the other version will not have captions.

Step 3: Have the students watch a videotape of ASL storytelling. Use the videotape version that does not include the captions.

Step 4: Have the students created and write ASL stories.

Step 5: Have the students watch the same ASL storytelling videotape again, but include the captions.

Step 6: The teacher will discuss with the students the correct written interpretation of the story. The teacher will compare the student’s written English with caption videotape.

Step 7: Continue these steps with different ASL storytelling videotapes until the students are able to write English without watching the videotape with caption. Impact: I think improving the quality of bilingual strategies through the use of technology will impact the students because it will be motivating and exciting. Their writing English will come from their own thoughts. It will be important for the students to see ASL and Written English as equally important. Also, the students will know that both languages are different but mean the same thing. Lastly, this will increase their confidence in writing English.

Contact Information: Deborah Cruzan [email protected]