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Environmental Signs in Auslan

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Environmental Signs in Auslan

Explore how environmental vocabulary helps people share information about places and what happens there. Use the Auslan signs you have learned, paying attention to handshape, movement, location and facial expression. Auslan is a language, not a signed version of English; do not guess a sign from an English word. If you are unsure of a sign, mark it to check with a reliable Auslan language resource or an Auslan user.

Notice the environment

Use the scene to think about places and activities. The photo is a setting prompt, not a guide to Auslan signs.

1.Sort these words into two groups: library, playground, toilet, canteen, reading, eating lunch. Write the places in one group and the activities in the other.

2.Match each place to the activity most likely to happen there.

Library
Canteen
Oval
Computer lab

Using computers
Borrowing or reading books
Buying or eating food
Playing sport

3.You are signing a place name to a classmate. Which approach best supports clear Auslan communication?

Use the sign accurately, keep it in an appropriate signing space, and include relevant facial expression.
Make the sign as fast as possible and look away.
Mouth the English word loudly instead of signing.
Change the sign to look like the written word.

4.Facial expression and other non-manual features can contribute to meaning in Auslan.

TrueFalse

5.Choose three environment words from this worksheet. For each, record whether you already know its Auslan sign or need to check it. Do not invent a sign if you are unsure.

6.Imagine a visitor asks where to eat lunch and where to play sport. Write the key information you would communicate, then practise signing the place and activity words you know. Leave any uncertain signs to check before presenting.

7.Name two things you can check while practising an Auslan sign for an environment word.

8.A new student needs to find a quiet place to read. Choose the most suitable place from library, oval, canteen or playground. Explain why, then write or practise the environment words you know.

9.Plan a two-part message that uses at least three environment words from this worksheet. Write the meaning in English, then practise signing only the Auslan vocabulary and structures you know. What signs do you need to check?