Illegal in Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

The sign for “illegal” in Auslan is used to express actions, behaviors, or items that are against the law. This sign can be common in discussions about legal matters, rules, or safety issues, and is important for conveying clear messages within the Deaf community.

How to Sign “Illegal”

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat handshape (the “B” handshape) with fingers together.
2. Hold your dominant hand in front of your chest, palm facing down.
3. Quickly move your hand downwards while simultaneously twisting your wrist so that your palm faces towards you at the end of the motion.
4. Maintain a serious facial expression to emphasize the seriousness of the sign.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to twist the wrist; some learners may simply drop the hand without the twist, which can change the meaning.
• Using a relaxed facial expression instead of a serious one, which can make the sign feel less impactful.
• Incorrect handshape; using an open hand instead of a flat “B” handshape can lead to confusion.

Related Signs

• 1 – The sign for the number one.
• 1 Dollar – The sign representing one dollar.
• 10 – The sign for the number ten.
• 100 – The sign for the number one hundred.
• 11 – The sign for the number eleven.

Using “Illegal” in Everyday Conversations

The sign “Illegal” can be incorporated into various everyday conversations, particularly when discussing rules, laws, or personal experiences. Here are a few example sentences where this sign would naturally fit:

• Example 1: “That action illegal.” (Meaning: “That action is illegal.”) – This could come up in discussions about someone breaking a law, such as vandalism or theft.
• Example 2: “Driving without license illegal.” (Meaning: “Driving without a license is illegal.”) – This might be used when talking about the importance of following driving laws.
• Example 3: “Drinking age illegal under eighteen.” (Meaning: “It is illegal to drink alcohol under the age of eighteen.”) – This is relevant in conversations about legal drinking age and responsible behaviour.

Each of these examples highlights how the sign can fit into discussions about legality and social norms, making it a useful addition to your Auslan vocabulary.

Cultural Notes

In the Australian Deaf community, the concept of “illegal” is often tied to discussions about social justice and advocacy. Deaf individuals may share experiences of discrimination or misunderstandings related to legal issues, emphasizing the importance of awareness and education. The sign “Illegal” is used not only to describe unlawful actions but also to advocate for the rights of Deaf people and to challenge societal norms that may be unjust.

Regarding dialect variations, there may be slight differences in how “Illegal” is signed between northern and southern regions of Australia. However, the core meaning remains the same, and most Deaf individuals across the country will understand the sign regardless of regional differences.

Tips for Learning This Sign

To effectively learn and remember the sign “Illegal,” consider the following strategies:

1. Mirror Practice: Stand in front of a mirror and practice the sign repeatedly. This helps reinforce muscle memory and allows you to observe your facial expressions, which are crucial in Auslan.
2. Non-Manual Features: Focus on your facial expressions while signing “Illegal.” Incorporating the appropriate expressions can enhance understanding and convey the sign’s seriousness.
3. Use in Short Sentences: Create short signed sentences that include “Illegal.” For example, practice saying, “This law illegal,” or “That behaviour illegal.” Repetition in context helps solidify your grasp of the sign.

By engaging with these methods, you’ll become more confident in using “Illegal” in conversations and enhance your overall Auslan skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use “illegal” in a sentence?

You can say, “It is illegal to drive without a license” by signing “DRIVE LICENSE ILLEGAL.”

Are there regional variations for this sign?

Some regions may have slight variations in handshape or movement; it’s good to learn from local Deaf community members.

What are similar signs to “illegal”?

Signs like “law” or “crime” can be related and used in similar contexts.

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

While the concept is similar, the signs can differ significantly between Auslan and BSL.

What tips do you have for teaching this sign?

Encourage learners to practice with peers and to focus on facial expressions, as they are essential in conveying meaning.