Greetings! If you’re interested in learning how to say “how” in Auslan, you’ve come to the right place. Auslan, short for Australian Sign Language, is the sign language used by the deaf community in Australia. In this guide, we’ll explore both the formal and informal ways of expressing “how” in Auslan, along with some useful tips and examples to help you along your learning journey.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “How” in Auslan
Formality is an important aspect of any language, even sign languages. In formal situations or when addressing someone with respect, you can use the following signs to ask “how” in Auslan:
1. Raised Eyebrows
In Auslan, raising your eyebrows slightly while signing the question word “how” can indicate formality. This adds a touch of politeness to your question. For example:
Auslan Sign: Raise eyebrows while signing “how”
English Translation: How are you?
2. Slow and Deliberate Signing
When signing “how” in formal situations, it’s important to sign slowly and clearly. This helps ensure that your message is understood by the other person. Take your time and focus on producing accurate signs. Here’s an example:
Auslan Sign: Slow and deliberate signing of “how”
English Translation: How is your day going?
Informal Ways to Say “How” in Auslan
Let’s move on to the informal ways of expressing “how” in Auslan. Informal language is commonly used among friends, family, or peers. Here are a couple of ways to sign “how” in a more relaxed setting:
1. Casual Facial Expression
In informal contexts, you can pair the sign for “how” with a more casual facial expression. This can include a slight smile or a relaxed brow. It’s important to adapt your signing to suit the social atmosphere. For instance:
Auslan Sign: Sign “how” with a casual facial expression
English Translation: How’s it going?
2. Shortened Signing
Another aspect of informal signing is using shorter and quicker signs. When signing “how” in a casual setting, you can reduce the extent of the sign without compromising understanding. Here’s an example:
Auslan Sign: Sign “how” with a shortened gesture
English Translation: How was the movie?
Tips for Learning “How” in Auslan
Now that you know the formal and informal ways to say “how” in Auslan, let’s explore some tips to aid your learning process:
- Practice Facial Expressions: Remember to practice appropriate facial expressions alongside your signs. They play a crucial role in conveying your intended meaning.
- Learn from Native Auslan Users: Find opportunities to interact with native Auslan users or join online communities where you can observe and learn from their signing.
- Attend Auslan Classes: Consider enrolling in Auslan classes or workshops. Qualified instructors can provide guidance, correct any mistakes, and offer valuable feedback as you progress.
- Dedicate Regular Practice Time: Consistency is key. Set aside dedicated time each day to practice your signing skills. Regular practice will help build muscle memory and improve your fluency.
Example Conversations
Let’s now explore some example conversations using the formal and informal ways of saying “how” in Auslan:
Formal Conversation:
Person A: (Raises eyebrows) How are you feeling today?
Person B: I’m feeling quite well, thank you. And yourself?
Informal Conversation:
Person A: (Casual facial expression) How’s your new job going?
Person B: It’s going great! I’m really enjoying it so far. What about you? How’s your day been?
Congratulations on taking the initiative to learn Auslan! Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you engage with the language and the deaf community, the faster you’ll improve your signing skills. Stay patient, stay dedicated, and enjoy the wonderful journey of learning Auslan!
