Quicken in Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

The sign for “quicken” in Auslan conveys the idea of making something faster or increasing speed. It’s often used in contexts like urging someone to hurry up or to express excitement about speeding up a process. Understanding this sign can enhance your conversations, especially when discussing time-sensitive activities or events.

How to Sign “Quicken”

1. Begin with both hands open and in front of your body at about chest height.
2. Shape your hands into ‘flat’ hands, with fingers extended and together.
3. Move your hands forward, slightly upward, and then quickly pull them back towards your body while maintaining the same hand shape.
4. Use facial expressions to convey urgency or excitement, such as raising your eyebrows or widening your eyes.

Common Mistakes

• Many learners forget to use facial expressions, which are crucial in Auslan for conveying emotions and urgency.
• Some may not pull their hands back quickly enough, which can affect the meaning of the sign.
• Using a closed fist instead of an open hand can change the sign’s meaning, so be sure to keep your hands flat.

Related Signs

• 1 – Signifying the number one.
• 10 – Representing the number ten.
• 11 – Indicating the number eleven.
• 12 – For the number twelve.
• 100 – Denoting one hundred.

Using “Quicken” in Everyday Conversations

The sign “Quicken” can be seamlessly integrated into your everyday conversations, particularly when discussing plans or actions that need to be expedited. Here are a few examples:

• Example 1: “We need to quicken the pace of our project.” (Sign: “WE PROJECT QUCIKEN PACE”)
• Example 2: “Can you quicken your response to the email?” (Sign: “YOU EMAIL RESPONSE QUCIKEN”)
• Example 3: “Let’s quicken our steps to catch the bus!” (Sign: “LET’S BUS QUCIKEN STEPS”)

These examples often arise in professional settings or during social gatherings, where time and efficiency are key topics of discussion.

Cultural Notes

Within the Australian Deaf community, the sign “Quicken” carries a sense of urgency, reflecting the community’s emphasis on clear and efficient communication. It is often used in contexts where speed is valued, such as in work environments or during social events where timing is essential. Additionally, there may be slight variations in how the sign is expressed across different regions of Australia. For instance, some users in northern areas may have a more pronounced movement compared to those in southern regions, who might use a subtler approach. Being aware of these regional differences can enhance mutual understanding and communication.

Tips for Learning This Sign

To effectively learn and remember the sign “Quicken,” consider the following techniques:

1. Mirror Practice: Use a mirror to observe your own signing. This will help you refine your handshape and movement.
2. Watch for Non-Manual Features: Pay attention to facial expressions and body language that accompany the sign. These non-manual features can convey additional meaning and urgency.
3. Use in Short Signed Sentences: Create simple sentences incorporating “Quicken” in various contexts. Regular practice in conversation will reinforce your memory and comfort with the sign.

By combining these strategies, you’ll find that using “Quicken” becomes more natural and intuitive over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use “quicken” in a sentence?

Yes! For example, you might say, “Quicken the process” by signing “QUICKEN PROCESS.”

Are there regional variations of this sign?

Yes, some regions may have slight differences in hand movements or facial expressions, so it’s good to observe local signers.

What is a similar sign to “quicken”?

The sign for “hurry” is similar and can be used interchangeably in some contexts.

How does this sign compare to BSL?

In British Sign Language (BSL), the sign for “hurry” differs in hand shape and movement, highlighting the distinctiveness of Auslan.

What tips can help in teaching this sign?

Encourage students to practice with various facial expressions and to observe fluent signers for nuances in speed and style.