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.

Using “Yourself” in Everyday Conversations

The sign for “yourself” is commonly used in various conversational contexts within the Deaf community. Here are a few example sentences where this sign naturally fits:

• When giving advice: “Take time for yourself.” (YOURSELF TIME TAKE)
• In discussions about self-care: “You should believe in yourself.” (YOURSELF BELIEVE YOU SHOULD)
• During conversations about personal goals: “Challenge yourself.” (YOURSELF CHALLENGE)

These examples highlight how “yourself” can be incorporated into discussions about personal well-being, self-improvement, and motivation, making it a versatile addition to your Auslan vocabulary.

Cultural Notes

In the Australian Deaf community, the concept of “yourself” extends beyond the literal meaning. It embodies a sense of individuality and self-advocacy that is highly valued. The use of “yourself” often reflects the cultural emphasis on empowerment within the Deaf community, encouraging members to express their identities and take ownership of their experiences.

While there are some regional variations in Auslan, the sign for “yourself” is generally consistent across different areas. However, it’s good to be aware that some signs may have slight differences in execution or facial expressions depending on whether you’re in a northern or southern region of Australia. Engaging with local Deaf communities can provide insight into these nuances.

Tips for Learning This Sign

Practicing the sign for “yourself” effectively involves several engaging methods:

1. Mirror Practice: Use a mirror to observe your handshape and facial expressions. This reflection helps ensure you’re signing accurately and confidently.
2. Watch Non-Manual Features: Pay attention to your facial expressions when signing “yourself.” Incorporating appropriate expressions enhances the meaning and emotional context of your sign.
3. Use in Short Signed Sentences: Create simple sentences that incorporate “yourself” regularly. This repetition will help reinforce your memory and comfort with using the sign in conversations.

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

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.