When Was Auslan Recognised as a Language in Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

The sign for “when was Auslan recognised as a language” is often used when discussing the history and recognition of Auslan within the Deaf community. It can be a part of conversations about language rights, cultural identity, and the importance of recognizing sign languages. This sign reflects a significant milestone in the appreciation of Auslan.

How to Sign “When Was Auslan Recognised As A Language”

1. Start with your dominant hand in a “W” handshape (three fingers extended, thumb and pinky tucked). Position it near your temple.
2. Move your hand slightly forward while raising your eyebrows to show that you are asking a question.
3. Next, transition to the sign for “Auslan” by using your dominant hand to make an “A” handshape (a fist with the thumb resting on the side) and tapping it against your non-dominant “A” handshape.
4. After that, use both hands to sign “recognised” by placing your dominant hand in a “C” handshape and moving it away from your non-dominant hand, which is in a flat position, to indicate acknowledgment.
5. Finally, bring both hands back to the starting position, maintaining a questioning facial expression throughout the sign.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to maintain a questioning facial expression, which is crucial in ASL to convey that you are asking about a specific time.
• Inaccurately forming the “W” handshape or the “A” handshape, which can lead to confusion in meaning.
• Not using the correct movement when transitioning between signs, which can disrupt the flow and clarity of the message.

Related Signs

• (Auslan) – The sign for Australian Sign Language.
• 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use this sign in a sentence?

You can say, “When was Auslan recognised as a language?” by using the sign while maintaining a questioning facial expression.

Are there regional variations for this sign?

The sign itself is generally consistent, but regional variations in facial expressions may occur. It’s always good to learn from local Deaf community members.

What is a similar sign?

A similar sign is “when,” which uses a different handshape but involves a similar movement and questioning expression.

How does this compare to BSL?

British Sign Language (BSL) has different signs and structure. It is important to learn the differences if you are communicating with BSL users.

What are some teaching tips for this sign?

Practice with a mirror to check your handshapes and facial expressions. Watching fluent signers can also help you grasp the nuances of this sign.