Take Turns in Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

The sign for “take turns” in Auslan is a friendly way to express the concept of sharing or alternating in activities. It’s often used in group settings like classrooms, games, or conversations where people are participating in a dialogue or activity together.

How to Sign “Take Turns”

1. Start with both hands in a flat ‘B’ handshape (with fingers extended and together) facing palm down.
2. Position your hands in front of you, slightly apart, at about chest level.
3. Move your right hand to the right side, then bring it back to the center while simultaneously moving your left hand to the left side.
4. As you move your hands, shift your facial expression to show engagement and encourage participation, like raising your eyebrows slightly.
5. Repeat the movement a couple of times to emphasize the idea of taking turns.

Common Mistakes

• Some learners may forget to keep their hands flat and instead use a fist or loose fingers, which can change the meaning.
• Not using facial expressions can make the sign feel flat or less engaging, missing the social aspect of the sign.
• Rushing through the movement instead of emphasizing the back-and-forth nature can lead to confusion about the intent.

Related Signs

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

Using “Take Turns” in Everyday Conversations

The sign “Take Turns” is often used in various social contexts, especially during group activities or conversations. Here are a few example sentences that illustrate how to naturally incorporate this sign into your conversations:

1. “We will Take Turns sharing our stories.”
2. “Let’s Take Turns playing the game.”
3. “You talk first, then I will Take Turns with you.”

These phrases can come up during casual gatherings, classroom settings, or group activities, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of conversation and play.

Cultural Notes

In the Australian Deaf community, the concept of taking turns is not just a practical aspect of communication but also a reflection of the cultural values of respect and inclusivity. Taking turns in conversations allows everyone to participate equally, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. This practice is particularly important in group settings, where it encourages active listening and engagement.

While Auslan is relatively consistent across Australia, there may be subtle variations in signs or preferences in northern and southern regions. However, the sign for “Take Turns” is widely understood, making it a reliable term in both dialects.

Tips for Learning This Sign

To effectively learn and remember the sign “Take Turns,” here are some practical tips:

• Mirror Practice: Stand in front of a mirror and practice the sign, ensuring your movements are clear and accurate. This helps you self-correct and build muscle memory.
• Watch for Non-Manual Features: Pay attention to facial expressions and body language that accompany the sign. These non-manual features add meaning and context to your signing.
• Use in Short Signed Sentences: Create simple sentences that incorporate “Take Turns” into your daily conversations. This will help reinforce your understanding and fluency in using the sign.

Consistent practice in context will enhance your comfort and confidence in using “Take Turns” effectively with others.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use “take turns” in a sentence?

You might say, “We need to take turns when playing games,” using the sign as you explain.

Are there regional variations of this sign?

While the core sign remains the same, some regions may have slight variations in movement or handshape, so it’s good to watch local signers.

What are similar signs to “take turns”?

Similar signs include “share” and “alternate,” which convey related concepts of sharing or switching roles.

How does this compare to BSL?

In BSL, the sign for “take turns” is different, often using a different handshape and movement, showcasing the uniqueness of each sign language.

Any tips for teaching this sign?

Encourage students to practice in pairs, emphasizing the movement and facial expressions to reinforce the concept of turn-taking.