Uncle in Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

The sign for “uncle” in Auslan represents a male relative who is a sibling of one of your parents. It’s commonly used when discussing family relationships, sharing stories about family gatherings, or introducing a family member in conversations. This sign helps to foster connections within the Deaf community, highlighting the importance of family ties.

How to Sign “Uncle”

1. Start with your dominant hand in an “U” handshape (use your index and middle fingers extended while the other fingers are tucked in).
2. Hold your hand with the palm facing towards you, and position it near your forehead.
3. Move your hand away from your forehead in a small arc, while maintaining the “U” shape.
4. As you perform the movement, maintain a neutral facial expression or add a friendly smile to convey warmth.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use the correct handshape—ensure you use an “U” shape, as using a flat hand can lead to confusion.
• Not positioning the hand near the forehead before moving it away, which may make the sign unclear.
• Failing to maintain appropriate facial expressions, which are important in Auslan to convey the correct meaning and emotion.

Related Signs

• Aunt – The sign for a female relative who is a sibling of one of your parents.
• Cousin – Used to refer to the child of your aunt or uncle.
• Brother – The sign for a male sibling.
• Sister – The sign for a female sibling.
• Family – A general sign to refer to family members collectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use “uncle” in a sentence?

Yes! For example, you can sign, “My uncle is visiting this weekend,” using the sign for “uncle” in the appropriate context.

Are there regional variations in the sign for “uncle”?

While the sign is generally consistent across Auslan users, some regions might have slight variations in the movement or handshape.

Is “uncle” similar to any other signs?

Yes, it is similar to the sign for “brother” but uses a different handshape and movement, emphasizing the familial relationship.

How does “uncle” compare in BSL?

In British Sign Language (BSL), the sign for “uncle” is different and usually involves a distinct movement and handshape, highlighting the uniqueness of each sign language.

What are some teaching tips for this sign?

Encourage learners to practice in front of a mirror to ensure their handshape and movements are correct, and to use facial expressions to convey meaning.

Can “uncle” be used for both maternal and paternal uncles?

Yes, the sign for “uncle” is used for both maternal and paternal uncles, and context will clarify which one is being referred to.