Quarter To in Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

The sign for “quarter to” in Auslan indicates the time when it is 15 minutes before the next hour. This phrase is commonly used in everyday conversations when discussing schedules, appointments, or simply telling the time. It helps in providing clear information about when something is set to happen.

How to Sign “Quarter To”

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat “5” shape, fingers extended and together.
2. Position your hand in front of your chest, palm facing towards you.
3. Move your hand slightly forward, indicating the number “15” by bending your fingers down into a half-closed position.
4. Facial expression should reflect that you are conveying a time-related concept, perhaps with a slight nod as you finish the sign.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use the correct handshape; learners might mistakenly use a fist instead of a flat hand.
• Not including the appropriate facial expression, which is key in conveying the meaning of time-related signs.
• Confusing “quarter to” with “quarter past,” which has a different sign and meaning.

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.
• 1 Dollar – The sign for one dollar, often used in financial contexts.

Using “Quarter To” in Everyday Conversations

The sign “Quarter To” is frequently used in daily conversations, especially when discussing plans or scheduling. Here are a few example sentences to illustrate its use:

• Meeting Time: “MEETING 1:45 QUARTER TO” (This could come up when arranging a meeting and confirming the time.)
• Class Start: “CLASS 2:45 QUARTER TO” (A student might sign this when discussing their class schedule with friends.)
• Friend’s Arrival: “FRIEND ARRIVE 4:45 QUARTER TO” (This could be used when letting someone know when a friend is expected to arrive.)

Using “Quarter To” in these contexts helps to convey specific times clearly and efficiently, which is essential in everyday interactions.

Cultural Notes

In the Australian Deaf community, time-related signs such as “Quarter To” play a significant role in daily life and communication. The concept of time is often central to planning and socialising, and accurate time-telling is appreciated. It’s also worth noting that while the sign “Quarter To” is widely understood across Australia, there may be slight variations in its execution among different regions. In northern areas, for instance, the handshape may differ slightly due to local signing preferences. However, the meaning remains consistent, showcasing the rich diversity within Auslan.

Tips for Learning This Sign

To effectively learn and remember the sign “Quarter To,” consider the following tips:

1. Mirror Practice: Stand in front of a mirror while practicing the sign. This allows you to see your handshape and positioning, ensuring accuracy.
2. Focus on Non-Manual Features: Pay attention to your facial expressions and body language. These non-manual markers add important context to your signing.
3. Use in Short Sentences: Incorporate “Quarter To” into simple sentences while practicing with a friend or in a study group. For example, “LUNCH 12:45 QUARTER TO” helps reinforce the sign in context.

By actively practicing and using the sign in everyday situations, you’ll gain confidence and improve your fluency in Auslan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use “quarter to” in a sentence?

You can say, “It is quarter to three,” by signing the time and using “quarter to” to indicate the time is 15 minutes before three o’clock.

Are there regional variations for this sign?

While the sign is generally consistent, some regions may have slight variations in handshape or movement. It’s always good to check with local Deaf community members.

What is a similar sign to “quarter to”?

The sign for “quarter past” is similar but involves a different hand movement to indicate 15 minutes after the hour.

How does this sign compare to BSL?

British Sign Language (BSL) has different signs for time-related concepts, and it’s important to learn BSL separately if you’re interested in that language.

What teaching tips do you have for this sign?

Practice with a partner to ensure clarity. Use a clock or visual aid to reinforce the concept of time while signing.