Quarter Past in Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

The sign for “quarter past” in Auslan is used to indicate the time when it is 15 minutes after the hour. This sign helps in everyday conversations about time, whether you’re making plans or discussing schedules. It’s commonly used in a variety of contexts, from casual chats to more formal discussions.

How to Sign “Quarter Past”

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat handshape (like the letter “B”) and held in front of your body at about shoulder height.
2. Point your fingers toward the left side of your body.
3. Now, pivot your wrist to turn your palm to face down and slightly forward.
4. Move your hand in a small circular motion to the left and then back to the starting position.
5. While signing, maintain a neutral facial expression or slightly raise your eyebrows to indicate a question if necessary.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use the correct hand shape; ensure you are using a flat handshape.
• Not moving the hand in a circular motion, which can confuse the meaning.
• Using the wrong facial expressions; remember that facial expressions are an important part of conveying meaning in Auslan.

Related Signs

• 1 – The sign for the number one.
• 10 – The sign for the number ten.
• 12 – The sign for the number twelve.
• 15 – The sign for the number fifteen.
• 100 – The sign for one hundred.

Using “Quarter Past” in Everyday Conversations

In everyday conversations, the sign “Quarter Past” can be quite useful when discussing time. Here are a few example sentences where this sign might typically come up:

• “Meeting start quarter past two.” – This might be used in a workplace setting, letting colleagues know when a meeting is scheduled to start.
• “School finishes quarter past three.” – A parent might use this sign to inform another parent about the school schedule.
• “I will call you back quarter past five.” – This could arise during a casual conversation where someone is arranging a time to reconnect.

Using “Quarter Past” in context helps clarify times and makes communication smoother in both professional and personal settings.

Cultural Notes

In the Australian Deaf community, time-telling is often integrated into daily life and conversation. Knowing how to express time accurately, including “Quarter Past,” is essential for effective communication. This sign is commonly used in various contexts, such as scheduling social events, appointments, or classes.

It’s worth noting that while Auslan is used across Australia, there can be slight variations in signs and dialects between northern and southern regions. However, “Quarter Past” remains universally understood, making it a reliable sign for all Australian Deaf communities.

Tips for Learning This Sign

Practicing and remembering the sign “Quarter Past” can be made easier with a few concrete strategies:

1. Mirror Practice: Stand in front of a mirror while practicing the sign. This allows you to see your form and ensure you are mimicking the movement correctly.
2. Focus on Non-Manual Features: Pay attention to facial expressions and body language while signing. These features can enhance your communication and make it more natural.
3. Use in Short Signed Sentences: Incorporate the sign into everyday conversations. For example, practice sentences like “Lunch is quarter past twelve” to reinforce your learning.

By integrating these techniques into your practice routine, you’ll find it easier to remember and use “Quarter Past” effectively in conversations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use “quarter past” in a sentence?

You can use it in sentences like “It is quarter past three,” by signing “quarter past” followed by the sign for “3.”

Are there regional variations for this sign?

Yes, some regions may have slight variations in the motion or facial expressions. It’s helpful to learn from local Deaf individuals.

Are there similar signs in Auslan?

Yes, signs for “half past” and “quarter to” are also used, and they have distinct hand movements and shapes.

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

The sign for “quarter past” in BSL is different, using more of a numeric handshape. It’s always good to be aware of the differences when learning.

What teaching tips do you have for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to ensure your handshape and movement are correct, and try to incorporate it into conversations about time.