Use proverbs and idioms commonly repeated in their language. Ask your students to identify and write out the proverb in their first language and explain the meaning. Have your students translate the proverb or idiom into English. This will allow them to experience firsthand the problems of direct translation. See if your students know some idioms with similar meanings in English. Introduce them to the English versions and then have a discussion about the meanings and whether they are different in different countries and languages. Use the target language of the class to explain the cultural significance of the idioms and popular sayings.
Hold a translation contest. Challenge your students with the task of translating rhyme schemes of songs or poems. Split your students into small groups or duos, or have them compete as individuals. Start with songs in the students' first language and ask them to translate the lyrics into the target language. Require your students to make the lyrics as faithful to the original as possible, while rhyming in English. Have your students present their works to the class and vote on the most faithful translated rendition of the song or poem.
Reverse the roles of teacher and student. If you are teaching a class to students who speak various first languages, ask a few to volunteer to be the teacher. Students can prepare a 20- to 30-minute lesson to teach the class their first language. The class can then discuss in the target language what they liked about the teaching methods or activities the student used in her role as teacher. You can use this feedback in your future lessons. This activity can offer your students perspective regarding the process of lesson planning and the challenges of leading a class. Use this activity to take a break from learning new material, such as after an important exam.