Glossary (Version 8.4)

A sign used to uniquely identify a person, typically bestowed by a member of the Deaf community, and agreed upon by the individual.

A story of events or experiences, real or imagined.

Signers who have one or more deaf family members and have therefore had access to Auslan from birth, meeting expected milestones for the natural acquisition of language in infancy and early childhood.

Fluent signers who have used Auslan as their primary language since their early school years, and/or demonstrate native-like levels of proficiency in the language.

Signs that are made in neutral space and do not make contact with a location on the body. These signs can easily be moved around in space.

Symbolic units of meaning that are created on the spot in a particular context, particularly in constructed action but also gesturing. These signs cannot be listed in a dictionary.

Non-manual features (NMFs) are meaningful elements of a signed message involving any part of the body other than the hands.

Changing the handshape of a sub-set of time signs to include a number, such as two-weeks-ago or in-two-years.

National Week of Deaf People; a week of cultural celebrations and festivals organised by Deaf Australia, designed to raise awareness of the Deaf community and to celebrate Deaf pride, Auslan, and the life and culture of deaf people.

New Zealand Sign Language.