Exploring Depicting Signs in Auslan

Exploring Depicting Signs in Auslan

Understanding Visual Language Year 7 Languages Australian Sign Language

What is Auslan?

Australian Sign Language Visual-spatial language used by Deaf community Complete language with its own grammar Recognised as official language in Australia

Think About This...

How would you show the shape of a tree using only your hands? What about the movement of a cat walking?

What are Depicting Signs?

Signs that SHOW rather than name Use hands to represent size, shape, and movement Like drawing in the air with your hands Also called 'classifier constructions'

Regular Signs vs Depicting Signs

{"left":"Regular signs have fixed meanings\nSame handshape every time\nLike words in English","right":"Depicting signs show what you see\nHandshape changes based on object\nLike drawing or miming"}

Spot the Depicting Sign

Watch the video clips Identify which signs are depicting signs Explain what each depicting sign shows Work in pairs to discuss

Types of Depicting Signs

Size and Shape Specifiers (SASS) Handling classifiers Whole entity classifiers Body part classifiers

Depicting Signs in Action

Create Your Own Depicting Signs

Choose an object from the box Create a depicting sign to show its size and shape Show how someone would handle it Present to the class

Remember

Depicting signs bring stories to life in Auslan - they help us paint pictures with our hands

Group Activity: Create Your Own Depicting Signs

Form groups of 4-5 students Choose 3 everyday objects or actions from the list provided Create depicting signs showing size, shape, and movement Practice your signs together as a group Present to the class - others guess what you're depicting! Use props or drawings to help explain your choices