Under in Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

The sign for “under” in Auslan is used to indicate something that is positioned beneath another object. This sign is commonly used in everyday conversations, such as when discussing the location of items or describing actions involving placement.

How to Sign “Under”

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat palm shape (like you are holding a book) and position it horizontally in front of your body.
2. With your non-dominant hand, also in a flat palm shape, place it beneath the dominant hand, indicating that it is “under” the dominant hand.
3. As you sign, slightly move your non-dominant hand downward to emphasize the concept of “under.” Your facial expression should be neutral or slightly curious, reflecting the action of placing something below.

Common Mistakes

• Some learners may forget to use both hands, which can confuse the meaning of the sign.
• Using the wrong handshape, such as a fist instead of a flat palm, can lead to misunderstanding.
• Neglecting facial expressions can make the sign less clear, as expressions are an essential part of conveying meaning in Auslan.

Related Signs

• 1 – The sign for the number one.
• 1 Dollar – The sign for one dollar.
• 10 – The sign representing the number ten.
• 100 – The sign for one hundred.
• 11 – The sign for eleven.

Using “Under” in Everyday Conversations

The sign “Under” is frequently used in everyday conversations, particularly when describing locations or positions of objects. Here are a few example sentences where this sign fits naturally:

• “The cat is under the table.” (CAT TABLE UNDER) – This sentence might come up during a casual chat about pets and their favourite hiding spots.
• “The book is under my bed.” (BOOK BED UNDER) – This could arise when someone is looking for a misplaced item.
• “There’s a tunnel under the city.” (CITY TUNNEL UNDER) – This might be used when discussing city infrastructure or exploring new places.

In these examples, using the sign “Under” effectively conveys spatial relationships, making conversations clearer and more engaging.

Cultural Notes

The use of “Under” and similar spatial signs reflects a strong visual orientation within the Australian Deaf community. Many Deaf individuals often rely on visual cues in their communication, and spatial signs are essential for conveying information about the environment. It’s notable that while “Under” is widely understood across Australia, there may be slight variations in signing or slang depending on the region. For instance, some Northern Deaf communities might prefer a more exaggerated movement for “Under,” while Southern communities may use a more subtle approach. Understanding these nuances can enhance communication and strengthen connections in diverse settings.

Tips for Learning This Sign

Practicing the sign “Under” can be both fun and effective when incorporating various techniques. Here are some concrete ways to help you learn and remember it:

1. Mirror Practice: Stand in front of a mirror and practice the sign while observing your movements. This helps ensure accuracy and boosts your confidence.
2. Watch for Non-Manual Features: Pay attention to facial expressions and body posture while signing “Under.” Non-manual features enhance meaning and are crucial for effective communication.
3. Use in Short Signed Sentences: Incorporate “Under” into simple sentences regularly. This reinforces your memory and helps you become comfortable using the sign in context.

By integrating these practices into your learning routine, you’ll find it easier to remember and use the sign “Under” effectively in conversations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use “under” in a sentence?

You might say, “The cat is under the table,” by signing “cat” followed by “under” and then “table.”

Are there regional variations for this sign?

What are some similar signs to “under”?

Signs like “above” and “between” are related, as they describe positional relationships, but with different hand movements.

How does this sign compare to BSL?

In BSL, the sign for “under” may look different, emphasizing the importance of learning each sign language’s unique structure.

What tips do you have for teaching this sign?

Encourage learners to practice with physical objects to better understand the concept of “under” in a tangible way.