Yourself in Australian Sign Language (Auslan)

The sign for “yourself” in Auslan conveys the concept of self-identity and is often used in conversations about personal experiences or feelings. It’s a fundamental sign that helps express thoughts about oneself and is commonly used in various contexts, from casual chats to more serious discussions.

How to Sign “Yourself”

1. Start with your dominant hand in an open handshape (like the letter ‘B’ in ASL).
2. Position your hand in front of your chest, with the palm facing inward toward yourself.
3. Move your hand outward slightly from your chest, maintaining the open handshape.
4. As you move your hand, maintain a relaxed facial expression that reflects the context of your statement.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use a relaxed facial expression, which can change the meaning of the sign.
• Using a flat handshape instead of an open hand, which may cause confusion.
• Failing to position the hand correctly in front of the chest, which can lead to miscommunication.

Related Signs

• 1 – The sign for “one,” useful in counting or indicating a singular item.
• 1 Dollar – Represents a single dollar, often used in financial contexts.
• 10 – Signifying the number ten; essential for numbers and counting.
• 100 – The sign for one hundred, useful in discussions involving larger numbers.
• 11 – The sign for eleven, important when counting or referring to age.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use “yourself” in a sentence?

You can say, “Tell me about yourself,” by signing “YOU TELL ME YOURSELF.”

Are there regional variations in this sign?

While “yourself” is generally consistent, some regions may have slight variations in handshape or movement.

What are similar signs to “yourself”?

Other signs related to self-identity include “me,” “I,” and “myself,” which have different hand movements or positions.

How does this sign compare to BSL?

In BSL, the sign for “yourself” is different, highlighting the variations between Auslan and BSL.

What tips do you have for teaching this sign?

Encourage students to practice in front of a mirror to perfect their handshape and facial expressions.