Ebcdic in Australian Sign Language (Auslan)
The sign for “ebcdic” in Auslan refers to the Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code, a character encoding system used in computing. This sign is commonly used in technical discussions, particularly in fields related to data processing and computer science. Understanding this sign can facilitate clearer communication among Deaf professionals in these sectors.
How to Sign “Ebcdic”

- Start with your dominant hand in the shape of the letter “E” (fingers extended and together, thumb touching the side of the index finger).
- Position your hand in front of your forehead, palm facing outward.
- Move your hand slightly forward while maintaining the “E” shape, as if emphasizing the letter.
- Next, transition to the letter “B” (fingers extended and together, thumb across the palm) and place it in the same position.
- Repeat the forward movement with the “B” handshape.
- Continue with the letter “C” (hand in a C shape) and follow the same movement.
- Finally, conclude with the letter “D” (hand in a D shape) while maintaining the forward motion.
- Throughout the sign, keep a focused expression to indicate the technical nature of the term.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to maintain a neutral facial expression, which can change the meaning of the sign.
- Incorrectly forming the handshapes, especially confusing “E” and “C”.
- Not moving the hand forward enough, making it less clear that the sign is an acronym.
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 “ebcdic” in a sentence?
You might say, “I learned about ebcdic in my computer science class,” using the sign for ebcdic to emphasize the term.
Are there regional variations for this sign?
While the sign for ebcdic is generally consistent, some Deaf communities may have slight variations in handshape or movement. It’s always good to ask!
What are similar signs to “ebcdic”?
Signs for other technical terms like “ASCII” or “binary” may have comparable handshapes or movements. Learning those can help you communicate better in tech discussions.
How does this sign compare to BSL?
British Sign Language may have a different sign for ebcdic, reflecting the variations between ASL and BSL in technical vocabulary.
Any teaching tips for this sign?
Practice with peers who are familiar with computing terms to reinforce usage and accuracy in signing ebcdic.
Practice This Sign
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