Quickly in Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

The sign for “quickly” in Auslan expresses the idea of speed or urgency. It’s commonly used in conversations to describe actions that happen in a fast manner, such as completing a task quickly or moving swiftly. This sign is useful in daily interactions, especially when timing is important.

How to Sign “Quickly”

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat handshape (like a “B” handshape) and your fingers extended together.
2. Position your hand near your chest, palm facing down.
3. Move your hand swiftly outward and slightly upward, away from your body, as if you are pushing something quickly.
4. Maintain a facial expression that reflects urgency or speed—eyebrows raised and eyes wide can enhance the meaning.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use a quick movement; some learners may move their hands too slowly, which changes the meaning.
• Not using facial expressions; the sign can lose its urgency without the appropriate expressions.
• Incorrect handshape; using a loose handshape instead of a flat handshape can lead to confusion.

Related Signs

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

Using “Quickly” in Everyday Conversations

The sign for “quickly” is a versatile addition to your Auslan vocabulary. It can enhance your conversations by providing clarity about the speed of actions. Here are a few example sentences where “quickly” fits naturally:

• I need to finish this task quickly. (FINISH TASK QUICKLY)
• She walked quickly to catch the bus. (SHE WALKED QUICKLY BUS CATCH)
• Can you sign that quickly for me? (CAN YOU SIGN QUICKLY FOR ME?)

These situations often arise in daily interactions, whether you’re discussing plans, recounting events, or asking for assistance. Using “quickly” helps convey urgency and intent, making your communication more effective.

Cultural Notes

The sign for “quickly” is well understood in the Australian Deaf community and reflects the dynamic nature of Auslan. In different regions of Australia, such as northern and southern areas, there may be slight variations in the execution of signs, but “quickly” remains largely consistent. It’s a term that is not only practical but also embodies the fast-paced lifestyle many Deaf individuals navigate, especially in urban settings where communication often needs to be concise and efficient.

Understanding the cultural context around this sign can deepen your appreciation for Auslan, as it reflects the shared experiences and values of the Deaf community, emphasizing the importance of effective and swift communication.

Tips for Learning This Sign

Practicing the sign for “quickly” can be both fun and effective. Here are some concrete ways to remember and master it:

1. Mirror Practice: Use a mirror to watch your hand movements and facial expressions. This helps ensure you’re signing accurately and with the right speed.
2. Observe Non-manual Features: Pay attention to facial expressions when signing “quickly.” A quickened brow or an energetic expression can enhance the meaning.
3. Use in Sentences: Incorporate “quickly” into short signed sentences during your practice sessions. This helps reinforce the sign in context and builds your confidence in using it spontaneously.

By integrating these techniques into your learning routine, you’ll find that “quickly” becomes a natural part of your Auslan communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use “quickly” in a sentence?

You can say, “I finished the project quickly,” by signing the relevant signs for “I,” “finish,” and then “quickly.”

Are there regional variations of this sign?

What are some similar signs in Auslan?

Signs like “fast” and “hurry” convey similar meanings and can often be used interchangeably.

How does this sign compare to BSL?

In BSL, the sign for “quickly” may look different, as each sign language has its unique signs and grammar.

Any tips for teaching this sign?

Encourage learners to practice with a partner, focusing on the speed of the movement and the facial expressions to convey urgency.