Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify and analyse the structure of Auslan through comparisons of sign and word meanings, sociolinguistic variation, metaphor, euphemisms and taboo signs. It also requires the ability to analyse the standardisation of Auslan.
This knowledge of the semantics and sociolinguistics of Auslan underpins competence in the use of Auslan.
This unit applies to individuals who have already achieved a broad range of Auslan skills and are now progressing towards the achievement of additional skills to converse as proficient users of Auslan.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Analyse sign and word meanings in Auslan and English. | 1.1. Compare the lexicon of Auslan and English in terms of size and function. 1.2. Investigate examples of signs in Auslan and words in English that have a matching citation sign and lexical word but no semantic equivalence. 1.3. Identify the concept of semantic equivalence in terms of clauses, rather than words. 1.4. Relate this equivalence to the concepts of literal versus free interpretation. |
2. Evaluate the impact of particular social factors on linguistic variation. | 2.1. Evaluate various factors that affect linguistic choices Auslan signers and English speakers make. 2.2. Identify how language can vary depending on various factors. |
3. Analyse the use of non-literal devices in Auslan. | 3.1. Identify examples of metaphor in English and Auslan. 3.2. Observe how Auslan uses metaphors in order to make iconic signs. 3.3. Examine words in English and signs in Auslan which may be considered taboo by some people. 3.4. Define the meaning of euphemism and why speakers and signers use euphemism. |
4. Identify issues in the standardisation of Auslan. | 4.1. Define standardisation of language to understand how dialects affect languages and linguistic choices. 4.2. Analyse factors which influence the standardisation of languages in general. 4.3. Analyse factors which influence the standardisation of sign languages. 4.4. Determine advantages and disadvantages of standardising Auslan. |
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement. | |
SKILLS | DESCRIPTION |
Reading skills to: | interpret unfamiliar information of varying complexity. |
Communication skills to: | produce short Auslan texts to demonstrate understanding of semantic equivalence, and use of metaphor and euphemism. |
Competency Field
Languages other than English - Auslan