Early in Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

The sign for “early” in Auslan conveys the concept of doing something before the expected time. It’s commonly used to refer to events, activities, or tasks that happen ahead of schedule or sooner than anticipated.

How to Sign “Early”

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat handshape, fingers extended and together.
2. Position your hand near your chin, with your palm facing towards you.
3. Move your hand slightly forward and then down in a smooth motion.
4. Maintain a neutral facial expression, or add a slight smile to convey positivity about being early.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to keep the fingers together in the flat handshape, which can change the meaning of the sign.
• Using a jerky motion instead of a smooth movement, making the sign appear unclear.
• Neglecting facial expressions, which are crucial in Auslan to convey the right emotion or intention.

Related Signs

• 1 – The sign for the number one.
• 10 – The sign for the number ten.
• 100 – The sign for the number one hundred.
• 11 – The sign for the number eleven.
• 12 – The sign for the number twelve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use “early” in a sentence?

You can say, “I arrived early for the meeting,” which would be signed as “I ARRIVE EARLY MEETING.”

Are there regional variations for this sign?

Yes, some regions may have slightly different movements or handshapes, but the core meaning remains the same.

Is “early” similar to any other signs?

The sign for “before” can look similar but has a different movement and context.

How does this sign compare to BSL?

In BSL, the sign for “early” differs in handshape and movement, reflecting the unique aspects of each sign language.

What are some teaching tips for this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to observe your handshape and movement, and try using it in conversations to build confidence.