Non-manual Features

Non-manual features (NMF) are another parameter of Auslan in addition to HOLM. 

NMF alone do not have any particular meaning, but are very important when  used in conjunction with lexical and depicting signs to add emphasis or additional meaning. 

Below is a table that shows all the NMFs one could add to their signing.

Source:
Johnston, T. & Schrembi, A. (2007). Australian Sign Language: An introduction to sign language linguistics. Cambridge University, p97. Accessed via: http://deafsocietynsw.org.au/documents/SignLanguage1Handouts.pdf 

Parameters of Auslan

There are different parameters available in Auslan that can be modified to convey meaning and show different words; these can be shortened to the acronym HOLM. 

H - Handshape

Communication

Interview

The only difference between these two signs is the hand shape, with communication a closed fist and interview with the little finger upwards.


O - Orientation

The direction the hands are moving are also very important in their meaning.

<--- Paper

<---- Drug















L - Location

The positioning of the hands in relation to the body can change their meaning greatly

Dinner

Sister

M - Movement

Depending on the direction the hands move, or not move, can explicitly change their meaning.

Hello

Stop

Source: Blyth, J. (2014). EDUC20076 Vocabulary and Lexicalised Signs: Course Notes. Melbourne: Univeristy of Melbourne.