Greetings and welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “you” in Auslan, the rich and expressive language of the Australian Deaf community. Understanding how to address someone in Auslan is crucial for effective communication, whether in formal or informal settings. In this guide, we’ll cover formal and informal ways to say “you” in Auslan, provide regional variations where necessary, and offer numerous tips and examples to assist you in your Auslan journey.
Table of Contents
The Formal “You”
When addressing someone formally in Auslan, such as in professional or official settings, it is important to utilize appropriate signs and gestures. Here are some ways to say “you” formally:
- Pointing Sign: Point directly at the person you are addressing. Maintain an upright handshape with your index finger extended while maintaining eye contact.
- “YOU” in Signing Space: Use the sign for “you” while signing it in front of your body in the signing space to emphasize the formality. Keep the signing space at chest level or slightly higher.
- “Respect” Gesture: Combine the sign for “respect” with a nod to convey respect while addressing someone formally. Flatten your hand and touch it to your forehead, then extend your arm slightly forward with an open hand facing up.
Tip: When using formal sign language, maintain a slower and more deliberate pace. Pay close attention to the person you are addressing and ensure your signs are clear and precise.
The Informal “You”
When interacting with friends, family, or peers, the informal “you” in Auslan provides a more relaxed and casual approach. Here are a few common ways to say “you” informally:
- “YOU” in Signing Space: Similar to the formal version, sign “you” in front of your body, but this time at a more relaxed waist or hip level. Use a slightly quicker and more natural signing pace.
- “Pointing Sign”: In informal situations, pointing directly at the person you’re addressing can be acceptable. Remember to maintain eye contact and use a relaxed, comfortable handshape.
- First Name or Shortened Name: Addressing someone by their first name or using a shortened name is common in informal settings. Simply fingerspell their name or establish a nickname that everyone is comfortable with.
Tip: In informal situations, Auslan often allows for more creative expression and flexibility. Don’t be afraid to adapt signs or gestures that feel more natural to you and the people you’re communicating with.
Regional Variations
Auslan, like any living language, can have some regional variations in sign usage. While there are no significant variations in expressing “you” across different regions in Auslan, it’s worth mentioning a few subtle distinctions:
- Handshape Clarity: Some regional variations may have slight differences in the handshapes used for signing “you.” For example, in certain areas, the index finger may be slightly bent or have a more relaxed posture.
- Movement: There may be minor differences in the movement or path of the signs used to say “you” in different regions. These variations mainly affect the flow and fluidity of the signs, rather than the overall meaning.
Tip: If you’re new to Auslan or interacting with individuals from different regions, be open to learning and adapting to any slight variations you encounter. They are part of the beautiful diversity within the Auslan community.
Now that you’re equipped with knowledge on how to say “you” in Auslan, let’s explore a few examples to solidify your understanding. Remember, practice and active engagement with the Deaf community are key to improving your fluency in Auslan.
Examples:
In a formal setting:
Speaker 1: “Thank you for your presentation today.”
Speaker 2: [Pointing Sign]
In an informal setting:
Friend 1: “Hey, do you want to catch up for coffee later?”
Friend 2: [Pointing Sign]
As you can see, the context and relationship between communicators shape how “you” is expressed.
With this comprehensive guide, you now have a solid foundation for addressing someone in Auslan, both formally and informally. Remember to maintain a warm and respectful tone in all your interactions, and embrace the unique expressions within the Auslan community. Happy signing!
