– Hello How Are You in Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

The sign for “hello how are you” in Australian Sign Language (Auslan) is a friendly way to greet someone and check in on their well-being. It’s commonly used in social settings, whether meeting someone for the first time or catching up with friends. This simple phrase fosters connection and shows interest in others.

How to Sign “- Hello How Are You”

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat ‘O’ shape (the fingers are extended and together, while the thumb is extended outwards).
2. Bring your hand to your forehead, palm facing out, as you sign “hello.” This is similar to a salute.
3. Next, transition to the sign for “how” by placing both hands in front of your chest, palms facing upwards, and then lifting them slightly while tilting your head forward.
4. For “are you,” extend your dominant hand out in front of you, fingers pointing forward, and slightly raise your eyebrows to indicate the question.
5. Combine these signs smoothly, maintaining a friendly facial expression throughout to convey warmth and openness.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use facial expressions, which are crucial in Auslan to convey meaning and emotion.
• Not maintaining the correct hand shape or position, especially when transitioning between signs.
• Rushing through the signs, which can lead to unclear communication; take your time to ensure clarity.

Related Signs

• #Auslan Latest – A sign to refer to the latest updates in Auslan.
• 0 In Auslan – The sign for the number zero.
• 1 – The sign for the number one.
• 1 Dollar – A sign for one dollar, often used in financial contexts.
• 10 – The sign for the number ten.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this sign in a sentence?

Yes! You can use it as a greeting: “Hello, how are you?” is a great way to start a conversation.

Are there regional variations in this sign?

Yes, some regions may have slight variations in handshape or movement, but the meaning remains the same.

What are some signs similar to this one?

Related greetings include “hi” and “how’s it going?” which have their own unique signs.

How does this compare to British Sign Language (BSL)?

While both languages share some similarities, the signs and finger-spelling can differ significantly between Auslan and BSL.

What are some teaching tips for this sign?

Practice with a partner to get feedback on your hand shapes and facial expressions. Watching videos can also help reinforce learning.

Can this phrase be used in formal settings?

It’s generally seen as informal, so it’s best suited for casual interactions rather than formal occasions.

Is this sign understood by all Deaf people?

Most Deaf individuals familiar with Auslan will understand this sign, but context and regional differences might come into play.