Quartern in Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

The sign “quartern” in Auslan refers to the concept of a quarter, often used in discussions about time, money, or fractions. It is commonly employed when talking about a quarter of an hour or a quarter of a dollar. This sign is useful in everyday conversations, especially when discussing schedules or financial matters.

How to Sign “Quartern”

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat ‘B’ shape, fingers extended and together, with the palm facing up.
2. Position your hand at about chest level, slightly in front of you.
3. Move your hand downward in a small arc, keeping the same flat ‘B’ shape throughout the motion.
4. As you complete the downward motion, tilt your palm slightly inward toward your body.
5. Maintain a neutral facial expression, or slightly raise your eyebrows to indicate that you are conveying a specific concept.

Common Mistakes

• Some learners may forget to keep the hand in a flat ‘B’ shape, which can lead to confusion with other signs.
• Others might not move their hand in the specified arc, making the sign less clear.
• Facial expressions are often overlooked, which can affect the clarity of the sign and its meaning.

Related Signs

• 1 – Sign for the number one.
• 10 – Sign for the number ten.
• 100 – Sign for the number one hundred.
• 11 – Sign for the number eleven.
• 12 – Sign for the number twelve.

Using “Quartern” in Everyday Conversations

The sign for “Quartern” can be integrated into daily discussions, especially when talking about measuring ingredients in cooking or discussing portions in a recipe. Here are a few example sentences:

• Context: Cooking with friends
  Auslan: “I need a quartern cup of sugar.”
  Sign Order: “SUGAR QUARTERN CUP I NEED.”
• Context: Planning a dinner party
  Auslan: “For each dish, we should use a quartern of the spice.”
  Sign Order: “DISH EACH QUARTERN SPICE USE WE SHOULD.”
• Context: Discussing a drink recipe
  Auslan: “Add a quartern of juice to the mix.”
  Sign Order: “MIX TO QUARTERN JUICE ADD.”

These examples show how “Quartern” appears naturally in conversations around cooking and sharing food experiences, which are common in social settings.

Cultural Notes

The sign “Quartern” holds significance within the Australian Deaf community, especially in contexts where food and cooking are central to social gatherings. Sharing meals is a vital part of Deaf culture, often serving as a bonding experience. The use of specific measurements like “quartern” reflects a cultural appreciation for precision in cooking, which aligns with the communal sharing of food.

Additionally, there can be regional variations across Australia. For instance, signers from Northern Australia may have slight variations in how the sign is produced compared to those from the South, reflecting the rich diversity in Auslan dialects. Understanding these nuances can enhance your communication and connection within the community.

Tips for Learning This Sign

Practicing the sign “Quartern” can be engaging and effective with a few simple techniques:

1. Mirror Practice: Stand in front of a mirror and practice the sign while observing your hand movements. This helps ensure accuracy and boosts confidence.
2. Focus on Non-Manual Features: Pay attention to your facial expressions and body language while signing. These non-manual features add context and meaning to your signs.
3. Use in Short Sentences: Incorporate “quartern” into short signed sentences throughout your day. This repetition will help reinforce your memory and make the sign feel more natural.

By engaging with these strategies, you’ll find it easier to remember and use “Quartern” fluidly in your conversations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use “quartern” in a sentence?

You can say, “I will meet you in a quartern,” indicating a meeting time of 15 minutes.

Are there regional variations for this sign?

While the sign is generally consistent, some regions may have slight variations in hand movement or facial expressions.

Is there a similar sign in Auslan?

Yes, the sign for “half” is related, and it uses a similar hand shape but with different movements.

How does this sign compare to BSL?

In BSL, the sign for “quarter” is different; it may involve different hand shapes and movements.

What are some teaching tips for this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to ensure your hand shape and movement are correct, and remember to incorporate facial expressions.