Keep in Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

The sign for “keep” in Auslan is commonly used to express the idea of maintaining or holding onto something. It’s often used in contexts where you want to convey the importance of keeping something safe or continuing a particular action or state. This sign can be utilized in various conversations, from everyday activities to deeper discussions about relationships and commitments.

How to Sign “Keep”

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat position, palm facing down.
2. Place your non-dominant hand underneath the dominant hand, also in a flat position, palm facing up.
3. As you begin the movement, bring your dominant hand down slightly and then back up, as if securing or holding something in place.
4. Maintain a focused facial expression that conveys the importance of the action, emphasizing the idea of keeping or holding onto something.

Common Mistakes

• Some learners may forget to use both hands, leading to a less clear sign.
• Others might rush the movement, making it difficult for viewers to understand the intent.
• Facial expressions are sometimes overlooked, which can diminish the impact of the sign.

Related Signs

• 1 – The sign for the number one, useful in counting or listing items.
• 100 – A sign to represent the number one hundred, often used in financial contexts.
• 11 – Represents the number eleven, frequently used in everyday counting.
• 12 – The sign for twelve, useful in various numerical contexts.
• 15 – Represents the number fifteen, commonly used in counting or age discussions.

Using “Keep” in Everyday Conversations

The sign for “Keep” can be seamlessly integrated into various everyday conversations. Here are a few example sentences that demonstrate its use:

• Example 1: “I keep my keys on the table.” (SIGN: “I” + “KEEP” + “KEYS” + “TABLE”)
• Example 2: “Please keep this secret.” (SIGN: “PLEASE” + “KEEP” + “SECRET”)
• Example 3: “Keep your room clean.” (SIGN: “KEEP” + “YOUR” + “ROOM” + “CLEAN”)

These sentences often arise in casual conversations, whether discussing personal habits, requests, or advice among friends and family. Using “Keep” in these contexts helps convey intentions clearly.

Cultural Notes

The concept of “keeping” holds a unique significance within the Australian Deaf community. It embodies the values of trust and responsibility, especially in sharing information or maintaining relationships. The sign is often used not just in a physical sense but also in emotional contexts, emphasizing the importance of preserving friendships or secrets.

In terms of dialect variation, while the sign for “Keep” is widely understood across Australia, some regional differences may exist in the signing style or the accompanying facial expressions. For example, individuals in northern regions might use a more exaggerated motion compared to their southern counterparts, reflecting local signing preferences and nuances.

Tips for Learning This Sign

To effectively learn and remember the sign for “Keep,” consider these practical tips:

1. Mirror Practice: Stand in front of a mirror to practice the sign. This helps you observe your hand shape and movement, ensuring accuracy.
2. Watch for Non-Manual Features: Pay attention to facial expressions and body language when signing. Non-manual features play a crucial role in conveying tone and meaning.
3. Use in Short Signed Sentences: Incorporate “Keep” into short, everyday sentences with peers or during practice sessions. This will help reinforce the sign and its context.

Regular practice using these methods will enhance your comfort and fluency with the sign, making it a natural part of your Auslan vocabulary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use “keep” in a sentence?

You can use it in sentences like, “I want to keep this safe” by performing the sign while conveying the message.

Are there regional variations for this sign?

Yes, some regions may have slight variations in the movement or handshape, so it’s helpful to learn from local Deaf communities.

What are some similar signs to “keep”?

Signs like “hold,” “retain,” and “maintain” convey similar meanings and can be used in similar contexts.

How does this sign compare to BSL?

While there may be similarities, BSL has its own unique sign for “keep,” so it’s beneficial to learn the differences when communicating with BSL users.

What teaching tips can help with learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to see your facial expressions and hand movements, and consider filming yourself to review later.