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Auslan Family Signs

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Auslan Family Signs

At a community bush regeneration day, Charlie, Talia and Dylan are sharing family introductions. Use the vocabulary and signing tips on this page to plan clear, respectful Auslan. Sign with a partner if available; written answers are fine too.

Family words and signing choices

Auslan signs can vary between people and communities. Follow the form taught by your Auslan teacher or Deaf community presenter. Use clear handshapes, an appropriate pace and attention to your communication partner.

1.Choose the best approach when introducing a family member in Auslan.

Use the family sign clearly, then fingerspell the person's name at a steady pace.
Fingerspell as fast as possible and look down throughout.
Guess a sign if you are unsure and insist it is the only correct version.

2.True or false: In Auslan, facial expression and eye gaze can help convey meaning and keep communication connected.

TrueFalse

3.Complete the reminder: When fingerspelling a family member's name, use clear handshapes and a pace.

4.Match each communication choice with its purpose.

Clear, steady fingerspelling
Eye gaze toward your communication partner
Checking which sign form your community uses

Shows respect for Auslan variation
Makes a name easier to follow
Supports shared attention

Plan a family introduction

A useful written plan might show the order of information, for example: MY [family relationship] NAME [fingerspell name]. This is an English gloss to help plan meaning, not a word-for-word rule for Auslan. Follow the signing pattern you have learnt.

5.Talia wants to introduce her uncle, Ruby-Mae. Write a short gloss plan that names the family relationship and shows where she would fingerspell Ruby-Mae's name.

6.Charlie is introducing two relatives. Explain one way he could use signing space to keep the people or their relationships clear. Do not assume that everyone uses the same layout.

7.Dylan is unsure how a family sign is made in his community. What is a respectful next step, and why?

8.Plan a brief introduction to a family member. Include the relationship, a place for the person's fingerspelled name, and one note about clear signing or a non-manual feature. You may use an imaginary relative.

9.Write two sentences explaining why it is important to communicate respectfully about family and to recognise that Auslan signs may vary.