Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to express “I am” in Auslan! Auslan, or Australian Sign Language, is the official sign language used by the Deaf community in Australia. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to convey “I am” in Auslan, including some tips, examples, and regional variations where applicable.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “I Am” in Auslan
Formal expressions are typically used in professional or more formal settings. Below are some formal ways to say “I am” in Auslan:
1. Gloss: I AM
Tip: To express “I am” formally, simply sign “I” followed by the sign for “AM.” Maintain a calm and confident facial expression while signing to convey formality.
Example: In a job interview, you can sign “I AM” to indicate that you are currently holding a specific position or fulfilling a role.
2. Gloss: I CURRENTLY EXIST
Tip: An alternative formal way to express “I am” is by signing “I” followed by the sign for “CURRENTLY EXIST.” Use appropriate facial expressions to demonstrate formality.
Example: When introducing yourself during a formal event, you can sign “I CURRENTLY EXIST” to indicate your presence.
Informal Ways to Say “I Am” in Auslan
Informal expressions are commonly used in casual and relaxed conversations. Here are some ways to say “I am” informally:
1. Gloss: ME, I AM
Tip: To express “I am” informally, you can sign “ME” followed by the sign for “I AM.” Use a friendly and relaxed facial expression for an informal tone.
Example: While chatting with friends, you can sign “ME, I AM” to convey personal information or to indicate your current state.
2. Gloss: I HERE
Tip: Another informal way to say “I am” is by signing “I” followed by the sign for “HERE.” Keep a casual and approachable facial expression while using this expression.
Example: When meeting someone casually, you can sign “I HERE” to let them know you are present.
Tips for Expressing “I Am” in Auslan
1. Facial Expressions
The use of appropriate facial expressions is vital when signing in Auslan. It helps convey the tone and formality of your message. For formal expressions, maintain a calm and composed facial expression. In informal contexts, including a friendly and relaxed facial expression adds warmth to your signing.
2. Body Language
Accompany your signs with appropriate body language to enhance your communication. Use gestures, posture, and body movements to express emotions, emphasis, or clarification. Pay attention to these non-manual markers to add depth to your “I am” expressions.
3. Regional Variations
Auslan is influenced by regional variations, just like any other language. While there aren’t significant regional differences in expressing “I am” in Auslan, slight variations may exist in specific signs or gestures. If you are interacting with people from different regions, it’s always valuable to be open to learning and adapting to their signs and expressions.
Conclusion
Mastering the appropriate ways to say “I am” in Auslan is a fantastic step towards effective communication within the Australian Deaf community. Whether you are expressing yourself formally or informally, remember to adapt your signing, facial expressions, and body language accordingly. With these tips, examples, and a warm and respectful approach, you’ll be better equipped to navigate conversations and build stronger connections using Auslan.
