1st L (F–10) F-2
Understanding
Systems of Language - Elaboration 1
- noticing the handshape of
individual signs, and identifying signs that are made with a particular
handshape, for example, COCKATOO (hs:5) and SOCCER (hs:fist)
- recognising that signs are categorised by the handshape at the start of the
sign
- understanding that signs can be organised by handshape, for example in
Johnston’s Auslan dictionaries or localised handshape dictionaries in schools,
and that this is useful if an English word for a sign is not known
- noticing the path movement of a particular sign and identifying signs
associated with the major types of path movements, for example, THROUGH
(forwards) or FULL (down to up)
- noticing the five major locations of signs on the body or in space, and
identifying signs associated with each, such as SEE (head/face), SAY
(mouth/chin), WHY (chest), TALK (hand) and ONE (signing space)
- understanding that sounds in English words are like handshapes, movements and
locations in Auslan in the sense that they are combined together to make signs
- recognising that some signs are iconic, linking to the appearance of a
referent, for example, HOUSE, TREE, DRINK, ELEPHANT and that some are not, such
as SISTER, WHY, SIMPLE
- recognising that unlike English, which can be spoken or written, signed
languages are not usually written down but occur ‘through the air’
- experimenting with different methods of capturing the signed language, such
as: a class-invented script, drawing pictures, videoing, English glosses or
ASL-phabet