Literal Translation: Teacher Checklist

Literal translation is a bilingual strategy where students translate directly between ASL and English to see how each language builds meaning through grammar, word order, and expression. The focus is on how language works, not on the content. Use this checklist to plan and reflect on teaching it. It covers choosing examples that highlight differences between the languages, establishing meaning first, modeling direct translation, and making structural differences explicit, then releasing responsibility as students learn to analyze on their own. The reflection questions keep the focus on language rather than content. Use it to help students use ASL and English more strategically.