Underline in Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

The sign for “underline in Auslan” is used to indicate the action of emphasizing text, often in educational or professional contexts. It is commonly performed when discussing written materials, such as books or notes, where highlighting important information is necessary.

How to Sign “Underline”

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat handshape (like a “B” handshape).
2. Position your hand above the area you want to underline, typically at the height of your writing surface.
3. Move your hand horizontally from left to right, mimicking the motion of drawing a line under the text.
4. As you perform this motion, use a facial expression that conveys emphasis or importance, perhaps raising your eyebrows slightly.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use the appropriate facial expressions, which can make the sign less impactful.
• Moving the hand too quickly or too slowly, which may cause the sign to lose its meaning.
• Using an incorrect handshape, such as forming a fist instead of a flat hand.

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 “Underline” in Everyday Conversations

The sign “Underline” can be very useful in everyday conversations, especially in educational or professional contexts. Here are a few example sentences that illustrate how to incorporate this sign naturally:

• Context: Discussing a school assignment.
  My teacher asked me to underline important points. (SIGN: TEACHER, IMPORTANT POINTS, UNDERLINE)
• Context: Reviewing a document with a colleague.
  Can you underline the sections we need to edit? (SIGN: YOU, UNDERLINE, SECTIONS, EDIT)
• Context: Helping a friend with their notes.
  Remember to underline the definitions in your notes. (SIGN: REMEMBER, UNDERLINE, DEFINITIONS, NOTES)

In these situations, using “underline” helps convey the action of emphasizing or highlighting specific information, making communication clear and efficient.

Cultural Notes

The sign “Underline” holds significance within the Australian Deaf community, particularly in educational settings. It reflects the values of clarity and emphasis in communication, which are essential for effective learning. In classrooms, Deaf students often engage in discussions about the importance of highlighting key concepts, and the sign facilitates this interaction.

While Auslan is generally consistent across Australia, there can be regional variations in signs and expressions. In some northern areas, you might observe slight differences in the way “underline” is signed, potentially due to local influences. Being aware of these variations can enhance communication and foster deeper connections within the community.

Tips for Learning This Sign

Practicing the sign “underline” can be both fun and effective with some simple strategies:

• Mirror Practice: Stand in front of a mirror while practicing the sign. This allows you to see your handshape and movement, ensuring accuracy.
• Observe Non-Manual Features: Pay attention to facial expressions and body language when using the sign. These non-manual features add meaning and context to your signing.
• Use in Short Sentences: Create short sentences incorporating “underline” and practice them regularly. This reinforces memory and builds confidence in using the sign in conversation.

By applying these methods, you’ll find it easier to remember and use “underline” naturally in your Auslan conversations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use “underline” in a sentence?

You can say, “I need to underline the important points in my notes” by signing the action and emphasizing the key words.

Are there regional variations of this sign?

The sign for “underline” may have slight variations in different regions, so it’s helpful to observe local signers.

What are some similar signs to “underline”?

Signs like “highlight” or “emphasize” can convey related concepts and might use similar movements.

How does this sign compare to BSL?

In British Sign Language (BSL), the sign for “underline” may look different, reflecting the unique characteristics of BSL.

What tips do you have for teaching this sign?

Encourage learners to practice with various texts and provide feedback on their facial expressions and hand movements.