Natter in Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

The sign for “natter” in Auslan refers to casual chatting or talking informally. It is commonly used in social settings where people are engaging in friendly conversation. This sign captures the essence of light-hearted dialogue and can be used among friends, family, or during group gatherings.

How to Sign “Natter”

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat handshape (similar to the letter “B”).
2. Position your hand near your mouth, with your palm facing inward.
3. Move your hand away from your mouth in a small, circular motion while keeping the handshape intact.
4. While signing, maintain a friendly facial expression to convey the casual nature of the conversation.

Common Mistakes

• Some learners may forget to use a handshape that resembles a flat “B,” leading to unclear signing.
• Overly large or fast movements can make it difficult for others to understand the sign’s meaning.
• Not using an appropriate facial expression can lead to misinterpretation of the sign’s casual intent.

Related Signs

• 1 – The sign for the number one, often used in counting or lists.
• 1 Dollar – Sign representing one dollar in financial contexts.
• 10 – The sign for the number ten, useful in various counting situations.
• 100 – Sign indicating one hundred, often used in discussions about money or quantities.
• 11 – The sign for the number eleven, commonly used in counting.

Using “Natter” in Everyday Conversations

The sign “Natter” is commonly used in casual conversations among friends, family, and within the Deaf community. Here are a few example sentences demonstrating how to incorporate “Natter” effectively:

1. Friend 1: “We should natter about our plans for the weekend.”
   (Sign: “WE SHOULD Natter OUR PLANS WEEKEND”)
2. Friend 2: “I love to natter with you after work.”
   (Sign: “I LOVE Natter WITH YOU AFTER WORK”)
3. Group Chat: “Let’s have a natter about the new café that opened.”
   (Sign: “LET’S HAVE Natter ABOUT NEW CAFÉ OPENED”)

These examples reflect natural situations where “Natter” fits seamlessly into conversations, making it a versatile sign to know and use.

Cultural Notes

The use of “Natter” is deeply rooted in the culture of the Australian Deaf community, where social interaction and storytelling are vital. Engaging in a “natter” is not just about exchanging words; it’s a way of building relationships and community bonds. In many cases, “natter” can be associated with informal gatherings, where people come together to share experiences and insights.

Within the Australian Deaf community, there are variations in the way “natter” might be expressed, particularly between northern and southern dialects. While the sign itself remains largely the same, some regional nuances in facial expressions or body language may differ, reflecting local communication styles. Being aware of these variations can enhance your understanding and ability to connect with Deaf individuals from different regions.

Tips for Learning This Sign

Practicing the sign “Natter” can be both fun and effective with these tips:

• Mirror Practice: Stand in front of a mirror while practicing the sign. This helps you observe your hand movements and facial expressions, ensuring they match the intended meaning.
• Watch for Non-Manual Features: Pay attention to the facial expressions and body language typically associated with “natter.” These non-manual features add context and emotion to your signing.
• Use in Short Sentences: Incorporate “natter” into simple sentences as you practice. This reinforces your understanding and helps solidify the sign in your memory.

By actively practicing “natter” in varied contexts and with attention to detail, you’ll become more comfortable using it in everyday conversations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use “natter” in a sentence?

You might say, “Let’s natter about our plans for the weekend!”

Are there regional variations of this sign?

Some regions may have slight variations in movement or handshape, but the core meaning remains consistent.

What are some similar signs?

Signs like “chat” or “talk” may have a similar feel but can differ in specific handshapes or movements.

How does this sign compare to BSL?

In BSL, the sign for “natter” may look different, but the concept of casual talking is similar.

What tips can help in teaching this sign effectively?

Encourage learners to practice with peers and focus on facial expressions to enhance understanding and communication.