Multi-channel signs

Multi-Channel Signs in Auslan

Multi-channel signs in Auslan are a small group of signs that are often used with a specific mouth movement. These signs occur with particular mouth gestures and convey more information than a single spoken word.

In Auslan, some signs commonly occur with standard mouth gestures, such as PAH, ASH, or WILF/WOOF.

Video explainer: ACARA GLOSSARY

Different sign languages around the world have their own multi-channel signs. Watch this video from a BSL signer as they share some of their multi-channel signs. Can you spot any that are similar to Auslan? Click HERE.

Similarities in Spoken Languages

Spoken languages also have unique words that express specific ideas or feelings that don’t translate easily into English. Here are some examples:

Japanese

Kuchisabishii – directly translates to ‘lonely mouth’, but it’s a phrase that’s better translated as boredom eating.

Icelandic

Gluggaveður – Roughly translates to window weather. It describes the experience of looking outside and thinking the weather looks nice, only to step outside and find that it’s actually freezing.

German

Schadenfreude – A combination of Schaden (damage) and Freude (joy). It describes the feeling of pleasure in response to someone else’s misfortune.
Ohrwurm – Literally translates to ear worm. It refers to a song that gets stuck in your head, making you keep singing or thinking about it over and over again.
Erbsenzähler – Literally translates to pea tally (counting peas). It describes someone obsessed with details, a control freak, or someone who is extremely stingy with money.
Kummerspeck – Literally translates to sorrow bacon. It refers to the excess weight gained from emotional overeating, such as after a breakup or during a stressful period.