Expressing gratitude is an essential part of human interactions. In Australian Sign Language (Auslan), the Deaf community has their own gestures and signs to convey their appreciation. Whether you want to say thanks in a formal or informal setting, understanding these signs can help you communicate effectively. Let’s explore the different ways to express gratitude in Auslan.
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Formal Ways to Say Thanks
When you are in a formal setting, such as a business meeting or a professional event, it’s important to use appropriate signs to show your appreciation. Here are some formal ways to say thanks in Auslan:
1. Auslan Sign for Thank You:
The most common way to express thanks in Auslan is by using the sign for “thank you.” To perform this sign:
- Extend your dominant hand towards the person you wish to thank.
- Touch your fingers to your chin.
- Move your hand out and down slightly, emphasizing the movement.
This sign is a simple yet effective way to convey your gratitude in a formal setting.
2. Auslan Sign for Appreciate:
If you want to express deeper gratitude or appreciation, you can use the sign for “appreciate.” To perform this sign:
- Place your right or left hand on your chest.
- Move your hand in a circular motion a couple of times while keeping it near your chest.
This sign signifies a higher level of gratitude and shows genuine appreciation for the person or their actions.
Informal Ways to Say Thanks
In informal settings, such as social gatherings or interactions with friends, you have more flexibility to express your gratitude in a more casual manner. Here are some informal ways to say thanks in Auslan:
1. Auslan Sign for Cheers:
In social situations where a toast is made, like raising a glass during a celebration, you can use the Auslan sign for “cheers” to express your thanks and well wishes. To perform this sign:
- Hold a drink or an imaginary glass in your dominant hand.
- Raise it slightly while making eye contact with the person you are thanking.
- Tilt the imaginary glass forward in a gesture of camaraderie.
Using this sign not only expresses gratitude but also signifies a positive and celebratory atmosphere in informal gatherings.
2. Auslan Sign for Thanks (Informal):
For casual expressions of thanks among friends or acquaintances, you can use a simplified version of the formal “thank you” sign. To perform this sign:
- Extend your dominant hand towards the person you want to thank.
- With your fingers relaxed, touch your chin briefly.
- Lower your hand back down to your side.
Using this sign is a friendly and informal way to show appreciation in everyday situations.
Tips for Using Auslan Signs:
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when using Auslan signs to say thanks:
1. Maintain Eye Contact:
When expressing gratitude, it is essential to establish and maintain eye contact with the person you are thanking. This conveys sincerity and respect.
2. Facial Expressions:
Accompany your signs with appropriate facial expressions. A smile, raised eyebrows, or other facial cues can enhance the meaning of your gratitude and show genuine appreciation.
3. Practice and Learn:
Take the time to practice Auslan signs for thanks and other expressions of gratitude. Learning from native signers or joining a local Auslan class can greatly improve your proficiency in this beautiful language.
Conclusion
Expressing thanks in Auslan is an important way to connect with the Deaf community and show your appreciation. Whether in a formal or informal setting, using appropriate signs and gestures allows you to communicate effectively and respectfully. Remember to maintain eye contact, use facial expressions, and most importantly, practice and learn from Auslan speakers to further enhance your understanding and usage of this vibrant language. Start incorporating these signs into your interactions to bring warmth and gratitude to your conversations!
