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.

Using “Early” in Everyday Conversations

The sign “Early” can be seamlessly integrated into various contexts in day-to-day conversations. Here are a few examples of how it can be used:

• Example 1: “I wake up early every day.” (I WAKE-UP EARLY EVERY DAY)
• Example 2: “The early bird catches the worm.” (EARLY BIRD CATCHES WORM)
• Example 3: “We have an early meeting tomorrow.” (WE HAVE EARLY MEETING TOMORROW)

These sentences highlight situations where timing is crucial, such as discussing routines, proverbs, or scheduling. Using “early” naturally fits into conversations about daily life, planning, and sharing personal habits.

Cultural Notes

In the Australian Deaf community, the concept of “early” is often tied to cultural values around punctuality and participation in community events. Being ‘early’ can signal respect for others’ time and commitment to the Deaf community. Additionally, there can be slight variations in signing “early” between northern and southern dialects, although the core sign remains widely understood. In some areas, the sign may incorporate subtle differences in handshape or movement, reflecting regional influences within the community.

Tips for Learning This Sign

Practicing the sign “Early” effectively can enhance your learning experience. Here are some practical tips:

1. Mirror Practice: Stand in front of a mirror to observe your handshape and movement. This helps reinforce muscle memory and allows you to see how your sign compares to established forms.
2. Watch for Non-Manual Features: Pay attention to your facial expressions and body language when signing “early.” Non-manual features, such as raising your eyebrows or tilting your head slightly, can convey meaning and context.
3. Use in Short Signed Sentences: Incorporate “early” into simple sentences in your practice sessions. For example, practice saying “I arrive early” (I ARRIVE EARLY) to contextualize the sign and help it stick in your memory.

Consistent practice and engagement with the Deaf community will further solidify your understanding and usage of the sign “early.”

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.