Walking in Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

The sign for “walking” in Auslan is a fundamental gesture that conveys the action of moving on foot. It’s commonly used in everyday conversations about activities, travel, and experiences. This sign helps express motion and can be combined with other signs to describe specific contexts or locations.

How to Sign “Walking”

1. Start by holding both hands in front of you with your palms facing down.
2. Form your hands into a relaxed “flat” shape, with your fingers extended and together.
3. Position your hands about shoulder-width apart and slightly in front of your body.
4. Begin to move your hands forward in a gentle, alternating motion, mimicking the movement of walking.
5. As you perform the movement, maintain a facial expression that conveys a sense of purpose or direction, as if you are actually walking.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is not alternating the hand movements, which can make the sign appear unclear. Another error is using a stiff hand shape rather than a relaxed one, which can make the sign look unnatural. Lastly, some learners may forget to incorporate facial expressions, which are essential in conveying the meaning and emotion behind the sign.

Related Signs

• 1 – The sign for the number one, often used in counting.
• 10 – The sign for the number ten, useful in various contexts.
• 100 – The sign for one hundred, applicable in discussing larger quantities.
• 11 – Used for the number eleven, helpful in counting.
• 12 – Represents the number twelve, relevant in many scenarios.

Using “Walking” in Everyday Conversations

The sign for “Walking” can be a versatile addition to your Auslan vocabulary. Here are some example sentences that illustrate how to use this sign naturally in conversation:

• “I am walking to the park.” (I WALK PARK)
• “She enjoys walking every morning.” (SHE ENJOY WALK EVERY MORNING)
• “We walked to the shop yesterday.” (WE WALK SHOP YESTERDAY)

You might use these sentences in a variety of situations, such as discussing plans with friends, sharing your daily activities, or reminiscing about past experiences. Incorporating the sign “Walking” into these contexts can help convey your message clearly and effectively.

Cultural Notes

In the Australian Deaf community, the sign for “Walking” transcends mere physical movement; it often represents independence and mobility, important values in Deaf culture. The act of walking can symbolize participation in a shared social environment, where Deaf individuals navigate both the hearing world and their own community. Furthermore, while Auslan is largely consistent across Australia, there can be slight variations in signs and dialects between northern and southern regions. Some signers may use different movements or facial expressions to emphasize speed or style of walking, highlighting the rich diversity within Auslan.

Tips for Learning This Sign

Practicing the sign for “Walking” can be both fun and effective with these strategies:

1. Mirror Practice: Stand in front of a mirror while practicing the sign. This allows you to observe your movements and ensure they match the correct form.
2. Focus on Non-Manual Features: Pay attention to facial expressions and body posture that complement the sign. These non-manual features can add meaning and context.
3. Use in Short Sentences: Create simple sentences incorporating “Walking.” For instance, you might practice “I walk to school” (I WALK SCHOOL) to reinforce your understanding in context.

Regular practice will help solidify your memory of the sign and improve your fluency in Auslan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use “walking” in a sentence?

You can say, “I am walking to the store” by signing “I” (point to yourself), then “walking,” and finally “store” to complete the thought.

Are there regional variations for this sign?

What are some signs that are similar to “walking”?

Signs like “running” or “jogging” have similar hand movements but differ in speed and intensity. Look for those subtle differences.

How does this sign compare to BSL (British Sign Language)?

In BSL, the sign for “walking” may look different, as each sign language has its unique signs and grammar. It’s fascinating to see these differences!

What are some teaching tips for this sign?

Encourage students to practice in front of a mirror to monitor their hand shape and movement. Using a video demonstration can also help clarify the sign.