VCE Auslan flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Five parameters of a sign

Handshape, location, movement, orientation, and non-manual features. These five components together define a sign, and changing any one can create a different meaning.

Minimal pair in Auslan

Two signs that differ in only one parameter, such as handshape or location. Identifying the contrasting parameter is the basis for accurate comprehension and production.

Non-manual features

Facial expression, eyebrow position, head movement, mouth pattern, and body posture that accompany manual signs. They carry grammatical information such as question type, negation, and topic marking.

Signing space

The three-dimensional area in front of the signer's torso and head where signs are produced. Referents are placed there and later referenced by pointing or direction.

Depicting signs

Constructions in which handshapes represent entities, handling, or movement, often called classifier constructions. The receiver must infer what each handshape stands for from context.

Auslan fingerspelling

A two-handed manual alphabet used to spell proper nouns, technical terms, and English words lacking an established sign. Letters are formed at a consistent position in signing space.

Negation in Auslan

Expressed by a headshake, a negative sign such as NOT or CAN'T, or both produced together. A headshake can extend across several signs in a clause.

Time reference in Auslan

Tense is set by time signs or by an established timeline, with past behind and future forward. Verbs do not carry tense inflection as they do in English.

Topic-comment structure

An Auslan sentence pattern in which the topic is established first, often with raised eyebrows and a head tilt, then followed by a comment about it.

Question marking

Yes/no questions use raised eyebrows and a forward head tilt; wh-questions use lowered eyebrows and a slight head tilt. These non-manual markers span the question.

Referent location

A point in signing space assigned to a person or thing. Once assigned, the same location is used for later reference, allowing tracking across a narrative.

Handshape accuracy

Producing the exact selected fingers and thumb position required by a sign. Incorrect handshape can create a different sign or make the sign unintelligible to a receiver.

Palm orientation

The direction the palm faces when a sign is produced. Orientation is a meaning-bearing parameter, so an incorrect orientation may change the sign's identity.

Movement path

The trajectory a sign follows, such as straight, arcing, or circular. Path, direction, and repetition are all meaningful and must be reproduced accurately.

Smooth fingerspelling transitions

Moving between letters without extraneous bounces or pauses, keeping the hand in a consistent position. Fluency in transitions makes spelled words easier to read.

Signing space boundaries

The limits within which signs remain readable, roughly from waist to above the head and within shoulder width. Signs produced outside these limits lose clarity.

Simultaneous non-manual timing

Producing facial and head markers at the same time as the manual signs they modify. Markers added after the sign has finished are a timing error.

Consistent spatial reference

Pointing to the same location each time a referent is mentioned. Inconsistent pointing leaves the receiver unsure which entity is meant.

Auslan word order

Auslan does not mirror English order. Time and topic often come first, and meaning is carried by space and non-manual features rather than by fixed English syntax.

Clause-boundary pausing

Holding or briefly pausing at the end of a clause before starting a new topic. This pacing helps the receiver segment the message into meaningful units.

Role shift

A production technique in which the signer shifts body position or gaze to depict a character speaking or acting. It signals reported speech or action within a narrative.

Depicting sign production

Using handshapes and movements to show an object's shape, size, or handling. The signer must keep the chosen handshape consistent throughout the depiction.

Turn-taking cues

Visual signals such as holding a sign, a raised hand, gaze shift, or a nod that indicate a signer wishes to take or yield the conversational floor.

Eye contact requirement

Sustained gaze between signers is necessary because the visual channel carries the message. Breaking gaze can interrupt communication or signal a turn ending.

Back-channeling

Brief nods, facial signals, or small signs such as YES or SAME that show the receiver is following. They indicate attention without claiming the speaking turn.

Clarification strategies

Repetition, rephrasing with a different sign, fingerspelling, and asking a question with appropriate non-manual markers. These repair a breakdown in understanding.

Repair sequence

A patterned exchange: a signal that understanding failed, a request for clarification, a repair by the signer, then acknowledgement before the conversation continues.

Register in signed interaction

The level of formality reflected in sign choice, signing size, and use of fingerspelling. Formal settings tend to favour full forms over casual variants.

Attention-getting techniques

Waving within the other person's peripheral vision, tapping the shoulder, or a light touch on the arm. Vocal shouting is not the norm in Deaf interaction.

Deaf cultural interaction norms

Practices such as securing visual attention before signing, maintaining clear sightlines, and avoiding spoken asides that exclude a Deaf participant from the exchange.

Physical setting for signing

Conditions that support visual communication: good lighting, no strong backlighting, and unobstructed sightlines between participants. Poor settings cause comprehension breakdowns.

Interrupting in signed conversation

Entering another signer's turn by first gaining visual attention, then signalling the intent to contribute. The interruption is managed visually rather than vocally.