AUSLAN

SIGNED ENGLISH

MAKATON (KEY WORD SIGNING)

SIGNS

Use of auslan (Australian Native Sign Language)

Use of Auslan & Australasian signs. Where signs were not available signs were made up. Signed English used in schools to teach deaf children to read & write.

In Australia Makaton use   Auslan signs and natural gesture. Makaton is used in 40 different countries & in each country their own sign language is used.

Signs are not done in word order and every word is not signed. Filler words:   the, is are, was at etc are not considered necessary for the language to be understood. Words like have, had, has share the one sign.

Every word is signed in correct word order and every ending ed, ing, s, r, is added with finger spelling. Every word has a sign or is finger spelled.

Only the key words are signed.

FINGERSPELLING

Use of fingerspelling for names, places & when a sign not available.

Use of fingerspelling much more intensive.

Use of small amount of fingerspelling- may fingerspell initials for names of shows, people etc

VERBAL LANGUAGE

There is little or no spoken language. Auslan has a unique grammar & sentence structure.

 Voice & sign done at same time in correct sentence order.

Voice & sign done at same time in correct sentence order. Remember that though you are only signing the key words you are verbalising the whole sentence.

BODY LANGUAGE & FACIAL EXPRESSION

Body language & facial expression are considered very important in auslan as they help convey the message and confirm what is being said with the signs. Remember that a sign maybe the same (ie LIKE or DON’T LIKE) its just the facial expression and body language that gives the receiver the idea of which you are saying.

Facial expression & body language are not considered very important at all when using Signed English.

Body Language & facial expression are very important as the person receiving the message is using all the clues being given – Voice+ Sign+ Facial Expression + Body Language.