Take in Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

The sign for “take” in Auslan expresses the action of grasping or receiving something. It’s commonly used in everyday conversation when discussing actions like accepting an item or receiving a gift. This sign is an essential part of daily interactions, helping to convey clear communication.

How to Sign “Take”

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat handshape (like a “B” handshape) with your fingers together and palm facing up.
2. Bring your hand toward your body, as if you are grasping or pulling something toward you.
3. As you move your hand closer to your chest, slightly bend your elbow, keeping your fingers together.
4. Maintain an engaged facial expression, conveying interest or focus as you perform the sign.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use the correct handshape, which can lead to confusion with other signs.
• Moving the hand away from the body instead of towards it, which changes the meaning of the sign.
• Neglecting facial expressions, which are crucial in conveying the emotional context of the sign.

Related Signs

• 1 – The sign for the number one.
• 1 Dollar – Represents one dollar in monetary discussions.
• 10 – The sign for the number ten.
• 100 – Represents one hundred in counting.
• 12 – The sign for the number twelve.

Using “Take” in Everyday Conversations

The sign “Take” is commonly used in various everyday situations, often involving actions related to receiving or grabbing something. Here are a few example sentences that illustrate its use in conversational contexts:

• Person A: “Can you take the book from the shelf?”
  (Auslan sign order: “YOU TAKE BOOK SHELF”)
• Person B: “I will take my jacket.”
  (Auslan sign order: “I TAKE JACKET”)
• Person C: “Please take this to your friend.”
  (Auslan sign order: “PLEASE YOU TAKE THIS FRIEND”)

These examples reflect typical interactions where “Take” is essential for clarity, whether asking someone to retrieve an object, indicating possession, or requesting assistance in passing something along.

Cultural Notes

In the Australian Deaf community, the sign “Take” holds significance beyond its literal meaning. The act of taking or receiving can often represent a deeper connection, such as sharing experiences or resources within the community. The emphasis on visual communication in Auslan encourages a sense of togetherness and understanding.

Dialect variations do exist within Auslan, particularly between northern and southern regions. For instance, some signs may be performed with slight variations in movement or facial expressions. However, “Take” is generally consistent across dialects, making it a reliable sign for learners throughout Australia.

Tips for Learning This Sign

Practicing the sign “Take” effectively can enhance your fluency in Auslan. Here are some concrete methods to help you learn and remember it:

1. Mirror Practice: Use a mirror to watch your movements and ensure your sign is clear and accurate. This visual feedback is crucial for mastering the sign.
2. Observe Non-Manual Features: Pay attention to facial expressions and body language while signing “Take.” These non-manual features can add context and meaning to your signs.
3. Use in Short Signed Sentences: Incorporate “Take” into simple sentences during practice. For example, create scenarios where you might ask someone to take an item, reinforcing the sign in context.

By applying these methods, you’ll find that learning “Take” becomes more intuitive and enjoyable, enhancing your overall Auslan skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use “take” in a sentence?

You can say, “I take the book,” by signing “I” (pointing to yourself), then “take” (perform the sign), followed by “the book” (signing the word for book).

Are there regional variations in this sign?

Yes, different regions may have slight variations in the sign, so it’s good to learn from local Deaf community members.

What are some similar signs to “take”?

Signs like “give” and “receive” are related, as they also involve exchanges of items or actions.

How does this sign compare to BSL?

While there may be similarities, BSL uses different signs. It’s beneficial to learn both if you’re communicating with diverse communities.

Any tips for teaching this sign?

Encourage practice in real-life scenarios, and emphasize the importance of facial expressions to convey the right context.