Same as Me in Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

The sign for “same as me” in Auslan is used to express similarities or commonalities between yourself and another person. It can be handy in conversations when you want to show that you share experiences, preferences, or feelings with someone else.

How to Sign “Same As Me”

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat handshape (like a “B” handshape).
2. Position your dominant hand in front of your chest, palm facing outwards.
3. Move your hand slightly away from your body while keeping your palm facing forward.
4. As you move your hand, nod your head slightly to indicate agreement or similarity.
5. Finish by bringing your hand back towards your body, maintaining the handshape and palm orientation.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to nod your head, which is essential for conveying the meaning of similarity.
• Using the wrong handshape; ensure your hand is flat and not in a fist.
• Not maintaining the palm orientation; the palm should always face out when signing.

Related Signs

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

Using “Same as Me” in Everyday Conversations

The sign “Same as Me” is commonly used in casual conversations among friends and family to express shared experiences or feelings. Here are a few example sentences illustrating its use:

• Situation: Discussing hobbies.
  Friend: “I love going hiking!”
  You: “Same as Me!”
• Situation: Talking about favourite foods.
  Friend: “I enjoy pizza.”
  You: “Same as Me!”
• Situation: Sharing feelings about a movie.
  Friend: “That film was amazing!”
  You: “Same as Me!”

In these situations, using “Same as Me” strengthens connections and shows understanding or agreement, making conversations more engaging.

Cultural Notes

“Same as Me” is not just a sign; it reflects the values of the Australian Deaf community, which often emphasizes shared experiences and mutual understanding. The sign can foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among Deaf individuals. In different regions, there may be slight variations in the execution of the sign, but the core meaning remains consistent across the northern and southern dialects of Auslan. It’s useful to pay attention to local signing styles to enhance comprehension and communication.

Tips for Learning This Sign

To effectively learn and remember the sign “Same as Me,” consider these practical strategies:

1. Mirror Practice: Use a mirror to watch your own signing. This helps you refine your hand shapes and movements to match the sign accurately.
2. Observe Non-Manual Features: Pay attention to facial expressions and body language that accompany the sign. These non-manual features are crucial for conveying emotions and context.
3. Incorporate into Short Sentences: Practice using “Same as Me” in simple signed sentences daily. This repetition will help solidify your understanding and recall of the sign.

By engaging with the sign actively and socially, you’ll find it becomes a natural part of your Auslan vocabulary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use “same as me” in a sentence?

You can use it to express shared experiences, such as “I love pizza, same as me!” which can be signed by showing excitement or agreement with the other person’s statement.

Are there regional variations for this sign?

What are some similar signs I should know?

Similar signs include “like me” or “similar,” which can convey a similar idea but with slight variations in handshape or movement.

How does this sign compare to BSL?

While BSL (British Sign Language) has its own signs, the concept of “same as me” might have a different sign. It’s always good to be aware of these differences when communicating with users of different sign languages.

Any tips for teaching this sign to beginners?

Encourage students to practice with a partner, using real-life examples to express similarities, which can make learning more engaging and relatable.

Can this sign be used in a negative context?

While the sign itself is neutral, you can convey disagreement or differences by altering your facial expression or using contrasting signs.