AUSSIE EDUCATOR


SIGN LANGUAGE

Sign languages are used by people with hearing impairments, their families and those who educate and work with them. There are individual sign languages in many countries around the world.

Auslan, [Australia Sign Language], is the official sign language used in Australia. It is similar to British and New Zealand Sign languages, but different from the English language in both structure and vocabulary forms. There is often variation in the language relating to both place and person [age and education]. Auslan also includes Fingerspelling.

Signed English was used for some time but is now considered undesirable. Sign Language has been used in Australia since at least the middle of the 19th century.

This page gives access to Auslan courses, dictionaries, grammar, vocabulary, tutorials, other resources and information. A second section of the page provides links to other sign languages from around the world. These are only provided for your information.

Auslan - Australian Sign Language

Hand sign for Auslan, courtesy of Auslan Signbank.

Dictionary, medical and health dictionary, grammar examples on video, videos of deaf people using Auslan, links to classes, information on the deaf community in Australia. Brilliant !

AUSLAN [What is it ?]

  • Auslan
    Recognition and status; History; Auslan in relation to English; Acquisition and nativeness; Variation and standardisation; Written and recorded Auslan; References; Further reading; External links. Wikipedia.
  • Auslan Explained [deafConnectEd]
    ‘Auslan, or Australian Sign Language, is the language of the Australian Deaf community. Background; What it is; What Auslan is; What Auslan is not’.
  • Auslan/Sign Language - Information and FAQs
    ‘Learn more with our information sheets. These cover many frequently asked questions relating to Deaf culture and language, audiology and technology’. You might also check this Auslan Signbank History page.
  • Australian Sign Language [Aussie Deaf Kids]
    ‘Auslan [Australian Sign Language] is the language used by the Australian Deaf community. Where did sign languages come from ?; How do children learn sign languages ?; Sign language variation; Fingerspelling; Early exposure to sign language : an advantage to parents and children and Auslan Resources’.
  • Sign Language - Auslan
    Better Health Channel, Victoria. ‘The evolution of Auslan; Elements of sign language; Learning Auslan; Other forms of communication for people who are deaf; and Where to get help’.
  • Evolution of Sign Language [Australian Baby Hands]
    ‘I wrote this article as many people have emailed me asking what the difference is between Auslan and ASL. By writing Australian Baby Hands I hoped to help parents bridge the communication gap with their baby and spread the word about Auslan and what a wonderful language it is’.
  • Understanding Auslan [DeafNav]
    ‘Find an introduction to the language of Australia’s Deaf and hard-of-hearing community’.

LEARNING AUSLAN

AUSTRALIA WIDE

  • Auslan Courses - Sign Language Australia
    ‘Sign Language Australia has various non-accredited courses to suit your needs. Participants will receive learning materials such as student workbooks, Quizlet and Dropbox videos [vocabulary and dialogues]’.
  • Auslan courses with NDIS
    Expression Australia. ‘We can provide flexible NDIS funded Australian Sign Language (Auslan) courses to suit you, your family, friends and workplace’.
  • Auslan Resources
    Designed for use by teachers but also usable by other individuals. They include items such as Auslan Grammar [A Linguistics dictionary for Auslan Teachers - pictures, video, examples], Auslan Alphabet Colouring Book, Auslan merit stickers, Auslan Kids Smart Books and Resin Auslan Playdoh Imprints, to name a few of the items available.
  • Auslan - The Australian Curriculum
    ‘The formal study of Auslan contributes to the overall intellectual and social enrichment of both first language [L1] and second language [L2] learners by providing opportunities for engagement with the Deaf community and insight into its rich cultural heritage. Pathways, sequences and year levels’. The Version 8.4 information is still the current version at time of update.
  • Courses - Deaf Connect
    ‘We have a long history of providing Australian Sign Language [Auslan] classes. Our team of experienced teachers deliver a range of courses from community classes, to accredited training, courses for Deaf and hard of hearing people, Deaf Awareness Training and Family classes for people who want to learn Auslan for their Deaf or hard of hearing children. Scroll down this page to find a course that’s right for you’.
  • Learn Auslan : A Beginner’s Guide to the Australian Sign Language
    ‘Auslan, also known as the Australian Sign Language, is the primary language used by the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in Australia. It is a visual language that has its own grammar, syntax, and cultural references. Learning Auslan can be a fun and fulfilling experience, allowing you to communicate with a unique and vibrant community. Here are some ways to get started on your Auslan learning journey’. Diamond Valley Learning Centre, Greensborough, Victoria.
  • Learn Auslan [DeafNav]
    ‘Visit our online learning platform to learn some basics like the alphabet, numbers and phrases. Many people think Auslan is exclusively for Deaf people, but this is not true. Auslan is used by hearing and hard-of-hearing people as another way to communicate with their Deaf friends, colleagues and family members. Learning Auslan is fun, engaging and easy. Non-accredited courses are seen as community course[s]. See a list of community courses across Australia. Accredited courses are often provided by TAFE. See a list of accredited courses across Australia’.
  • Learn Auslan and Express Yourself with Sign Language
    Expression Australia. ‘Our Australian Sign Language [Auslan] courses are the perfect place to start learning Auslan to communicate with people who are Deaf’.
  • Learn Auslan Online - Deaf Can:Do
    ‘Always wanted to learn sign language ? Deaf Can:Do are now offering Auslan [Australian Sign Language] courses online’ Deaf Can:Do are now combined with Deaf Connect and you are now able to access their courses as part of the learning process.
  • Learn Auslan Sign Language
    Listing of courses and groupings including options for multiple ages, groups and even includes Learn Auslan Online [listed under Bundles] covering multiple items.
  • Learn Auslan with Deaf Children Australia
    ‘Sign up today and register for our range of classes. We offer one on one tutoring, Auslan Online and group or individual Auslan for Families courses’.
  • MySkills - Auslan
    Information about a ‘Certificate II in Auslan - This course is a JobTrainer eligible course’. Check the various section headings on the right of the page for further details.
  • Online Auslan Courses [Awesome Auslan]
    ‘Awesome Auslan is offering you the first peek at our new online Introduction to Auslan Course. You can learn Australian sign language at home !’ Includes videos as well being online and self-paced.

AUST. CAPITAL TERRITORY

NEW SOUTH WALES

  • Certificate II in Auslan [TAFE NSW]
    ‘You will learn basic signing skills and the cultural values of the deaf community from teachers who are actively part of the deaf community. Find a location to enrol via the link on the site’. A Certificate III in Auslan is also available.
  • Deaf Connect - Education
    ‘We have a long history of providing Australian Sign Language [Auslan] classes. Our team of experienced teachers deliver a range of courses from community classes, to accredited training, courses for Deaf and hard of hearing people, Deaf Awareness Training and Family classes for people who want to learn Auslan for their Deaf or hard of hearing children. Scroll down this page to find a course that’s right for you’.
  • Auslan included in redesigned language syllabuses
    ‘An Australian Sign Language [Auslan] syllabus will be available in NSW schools for the first time in 2023, along with updated languages syllabuses for Kindergarten to Year 10, as part of the NSW Government’s Curriculum Reform agenda’.
  • Sydney Community College Classes
    ‘Our Sign Language courses provide comprehensive lessons in Auslan, the natural language of the Australian Deaf Community. Level 1 is taught by both Deaf and hearing teachers and has no pre-requisites. Level 2 is taught by Deaf teachers only and has Level 1 as a pre-requisite. Our Sign Language courses are taught either in-person at our Rozelle Campus or online’.

QUEENSLAND

  • Deaf Connect - Education
    ‘We have a long history of providing Australian Sign Language [Auslan] classes. Our team of experienced teachers deliver a range of courses from community classes, to accredited training, courses for Deaf and hard of hearing people, Deaf Awareness Training and Family classes for people who want to learn Auslan for their Deaf or hard of hearing children. Scroll down this page to find a course that’s right for you’.
  • Learn Auslan Online
    Individual courses up to bundles of courses plus other material and activities.
  • Learning and Development - Auslan
    ‘Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services supports deaf students in Queensland state schools who use Australian Sign Language [Auslan] to communicate. The majority of these students are educated in mainstream classroom settings with the support of a teacher aide: educational interpreter and a teacher aide : Auslan language model’.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

  • Auslan Courses - Sign Language Australia
    ‘Learn Auslan. Also What is Auslan, Find an Auslan Tutor’, more.
  • Auslan language – schools offering a program
    Listed under ‘Primary schools, Secondary schools, Birth to 12 schools, Area schools and Other language providers’. 38 schools at time of update.
  • Certificate II in Auslan - TAFE SA
    ‘This course teaches introductory Auslan skills for discussing simple matters/everyday familiar topics in a variety of situations. Students learn basic signing skills and Deaf community cultural values from teachers who are actively part of the Deaf community. Students who complete this course are prepared for further formal Auslan language study’.
  • Deaf Can:Do - Deaf Connect
    ‘The Royal South Australian Deaf Society, later Deaf Can:Do, has been supporting the South Australian Deaf and hard of hearing community since 1891. In March 2022 it was announced that Deaf Can:Do services offered would be transferred to Deaf Connect. Following this transition, Deaf Can:Do clients have access to the services of the leading provider for the Deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing communities in Australia. There is no change or impact to how your service is delivered’.
  • School of Languages SA - Auslan
    A Brochure plus Course Overviews for Stage 1 and 2 courses.

TASMANIA

  • TasDeaf
    Linked to Expression Australia. ‘Our courses are the perfect place to start learning Auslan [Australian sign language], the language of the Deaf community’.

VICTORIA

  • Learn Auslan - Expression Australia
    ‘Expression Australia has been providing Auslan courses since 1982 and has a wonderful team of qualified and highly experienced teachers’. For a Guide to Our Services go here. Find local services in Victoria, especially greater Melbourne. These range from Community Classes through to tutoring, even a link to one place to get Tailored Auslan courses which ‘are set up to fit your specific language, information or scheduling needs. They can be either face-to-face at a location of your choice or via your preferred video-conferencing platform’.
  • Auslan Courses - Melbourne Polytechnic
    ‘Take your Auslan skills to the top with Melbourne Polytechnic’s Diploma of Auslan PSP51018. This accredited diploma will bring your Auslan skills together to help you communicate at an advanced and professional level with Deaf and hard of hearing people’.
  • Auslan - Victorian Curriculum
    Victorian version of the Australian Curriculum listed above.
  • Deaf Children Australia
    ‘Register for our range of classes. We offer one on one tutoring, Auslan Online and group or individual Auslan for Families courses’. Sections cover Tutoring, Online, Auslan4Everyone, Essential Workplace Signs, Essential Basic Signs, more.
  • La Trobe University - Auslan
    ‘Looking to study Auslan ? It’s available as an elective in our Bachelor of Arts or a range of courses related to this interest area is listed below’.
  • Learn Auslan - Learn Auslan Online
    Individual courses up to bundles of courses plus other material and activities.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

  • Certificates II, III and IV plus a Diploma in Auslan [Perth] Select the appropriate course for further details. A second page from North Metro TAFE also provides course information.
  • Learn Auslan [AccessPLUS WA Deaf]
    ‘Access Plus offers Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Australian Sign Language [Auslan] classes that are designed to start you on your Auslan learning journey giving you a basic understanding, or take you to the next stage where you are comfortable communicating in Auslan, to those who are ready to learn more advanced linguistics and further structure. For whatever you seek in learning Auslan, we at Access Plus have a class to suit you’. You can find the different venues by clicking on Learn Auslan then clicking on the options listed.

RESOURCES

  • Auslan Anywhere
    ‘When using Auslan Anywhere, learners can submit requests on the app and ask how words or short phrases are signed. Creators respond to learner requests by posting short videos in Auslan. Auslan Anywhere connects learners to the heart of the language by learning directly from the Deaf community’.
  • Australian Baby Hands
    ‘Imagine being able to communicate with your baby before they can speak while helping their brain and language development. Introducing Australian Baby Hands Baby Sign Language Resources’. Information for parents, products, more.
  • Auslan Corpus
    ‘The Auslan Corpus consists of the movies in the Auslan Archive together with linked linguistic annotation files. Click on the Auslan Signbank Archive for detailed information about the contents’.
  • Auslan Hub - Free downloadable resources
    ‘Click on the buttons below to access free activities for the classroom’.
  • Aussie Deaf Kids
    Covers a wide range of general resource information from birth to schooling as well as Auslan [Language and Communication/Australian Sign Language/ … ].
  • Auslan Dictionary on the App Store
    Apple. ‘Video dictionary for Australian Sign Language. The functionality is simple : You enter a search term, select a word and the app will show you a definition and a video of someone performing the sign’.
  • Auslan Flashcards and Study Sets [Quizlet]
    ‘Browse 105 sets of Auslan flashcards’. Free and Premium sets available. Check other links in the menu on the left.
  • Auslan Fonts
    True Type fonts, Font activity ideas, cards. Also has a selection of American Sign Language fonts. Auslan Resources.
  • Auslan - Google Play
    Android. ‘This application was designed to learn and practice Australian Sign Language [AUSLAN] fingerspelling. New Small/Large button enables small or large display for Auslan and drill parts of the app’.
  • Auslan Resources
    Includes the Auslan Fonts link provided above, lesson plans and activities for Primary children, resources for VCE Auslan courses, links to other resources, Auslan information.
  • Auslan Resources on Pinterest
    216 pins at time of update. Considerable variety plus links to similar ideas which are popular now.
  • Auslan Resources [The Australian Curriculum]
    More than 1 400 Auslan resources linked to the curriculum are listed here [1 459 at time of update].
  • Auslan Shop - Deaf Australia
    40+. resources ranging from Auslan stamps to flashcards, stickers, card games and posters. Fee-based but reasonable.
  • Auslan Space
    ‘This website was founded as a resource site for Auslan teachers. On this website you can find such resources as : Auslan Monologues and Dialogues; Group settings and workshop information; Research materials; Sample lesson plans to assist your teaching; Games and activity ideas for your students; Teaching tips’ and more.
  • Auslan Storybooks
    ‘Here you will see “books” of stories - in Auslan. Deaf and hearing people of all ages who use Auslan can enjoy a wide range of stories. Enter the Storybook Library and take your pick’.
  • AUSLAN Resources [TAFE New South Wales]
    ‘Use the page tabs [above] to find relevant online and library resources : Welcome - will help you find books and DVDs in the Library; eResources - access to online journals and lots more; Web Resources - a collection of relevant websites and web resources; Research Help - covers research skills, referencing, plagiarism and more’.
  • Auslan Teaching Resources [Teach Starter]
    ‘A collection of resources to help support learning and use of Auslan sign language in the classroom. Use flash cards, games and activities to help practise and learn sign language. Resources include Auslan sign for numbers, letters, nouns and everyday language. Read our blogs to gain ideas and strategies to promote awareness to support those students who rely on Auslan sign language. You can even integrate sign activities into lessons, such as time with out analogue clock resource’.
  • Bilby Publishing
    Annotated links to a wide range of sign language materials, including Auslan DVDs and Auslan Dictionaries plus many others. Fee-based.
  • Getting Started with Key Word Sign [Auslan Edition]
    ‘Learn how to use Key Word Sign with training, resources and more. Key word signing uses a core vocabulary of words to communicate concepts and ideas. Each word [concept] is matched to an Auslan hand sign’.

INTERPRETING/INTERPRETERS

  • Auslan Services
    ‘Experts in coordinating Auslan interpreters’. Check section in the menu [top bar] for additional information.
  • Australian Sign Language Interpreters Association [ASLIA]
    ‘The national peak organisation representing the interests of Auslan/English Interpreters and Deaf Interpreters in Australia’. Check the Resources and PD & Events sections for specific resources.
  • NABS [National Auslan Interpreter Booking Service]
    ‘NABS provides interpreters for Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing people who use sign language and would like an interpreter for private health care appointments. NABS is free to people who are not eligible for NDIS [National Disability Insurance Scheme]’.
  • Interpreter on TV [Deaf Australia]
    ‘Deaf Australia has been advocating for many years for Auslan on TV’. Information on efforts and the success or otherwise of attaining results for these.
  • Next Sense - Auslan Tutor
    ‘Teach yourself Auslan [Australian Sign Language] with this interactive, easy-to-use app. It’s one of our most downloaded resources. Auslan Tutor contains over 500 signs, each carefully chosen as the most needed when interacting with and teaching children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The app is designed with an easy-to-follow hierarchy to help build upon the previous sign, so you’ll soon develop the confidence to begin using Auslan in everyday life’. Check the site for many other resources as well.
  • Printable Worksheets - Auslan
    ‘Some of the worksheets displayed are Sign language 1, Farm animals, Auslan dictionary topic colours, Contents, … Once you find your worksheet, click on the pop-out icon or the download icon’.
  • Signs of Australia – A New Dictionary of Auslan
    Purchase directly from The Auslan Shop at Deaf Australia Inc.. You might also consider The Survival Guide to Auslan, described as ‘a Beginner’s pocket dictionary of Australian Sign Language. A perfect reference book for anyone who wants to learn Auslan’.
  • The Auslan Picture Dictionary E-book
    ‘The Auslan Picture Dictionary e-book is a 107 page PDF and has over 1 000 signs and pictures combined. Each sign is labelled and has a matching picture. There are 25 topics to choose from : Alphabet, Action, Animals, Body, Calendar, Clothes, Colour, Community, Country, Family, Feelings, Food, Greetings, House, Money, Nature, Numbers, Occupation, People, Placing, Questions, Sport, Time, Transport and Weather. The Auslan Picture Dictionary e-book is copyright and for personal and school classroom use only. The e-book is to be printed only once in its entirety per individual/teacher’.

VIDEOS

This is only a small selection of videos. Search for more, even use the links on the bar at the right of a number of these pages.

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OTHER SIGN LANGUAGES

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE

  • American Sign Language
    ‘American Sign Language University is a resource site for ASL students and teachers. Here you will find information and resources to help you learn ASL and improve your signing’.
  • ASL Fingerspelling
    ‘This ASL fingerspelling site is a little tool I put together to help my college ASL students get some receptive fingerspelling practice. It isn’t perfect, but it seems to help so I figured I’d share it with the world. If it is of use to you, great !’.
  • Handspeak
    ‘Learn Sign Language; Vocabulary; Grammar; Culture; Fingerspelling; ASL Writing; Resources’. There is also a video-based dictionary included plus more. Over 3 000 signs.
  • Start American Sign Language
    ‘With Start ASL’s complete course you will learn true American Sign Language so you can join any signed conversation with complete confidence. The Start ASL team created a full curriculum that includes everything you need to learn the language completely and with total flexibility’.
  • What are the best free resources for learning American Sign Language ?
    Quora. 16 people provide these, often with numerous links from each person. Many teach or use the language. Related Questions are listed at the bottom of the home page.
  • Baby Sign Language
    ‘Baby sign language is a great way to help you communicate with your pre-verbal baby. Baby sign language helps babies that are ready to communicate but can’t talk bridge the gap to full speech. Learn to sign in 5 minutes’. Basics, dictionary, flash cards, more.
  • British Sign Language
    Within Britain the most common form of Sign Language called British Sign Language [BSL]. ‘Online signing course; Online BSL Dictionary; Word Search; Word Search Maker; Fingerspelling Challenge; Fingerspelling Word Creator’. Extensive detail from the menu items at the top of the page
  • French Sign Language
    ‘History, Alphabet, See also, References and External links’. Wikipedia. You can find further information at Langue des signes française [Wikilivres] which includes grammar, lessons, vocabulary, exercises plus a listing of other resources. Used in numerous countries, e.g. parts of Canada.
  • Irish Deaf.com
    ‘Irish Deaf.com organises Irish Sign Language [ISL] classes and Speech to Text service, offers Deaf and Deafblind awareness training and online ISL courses, sells sign language books, DVDs, merchandise, equipment and technology’. They offer full information about the courses they offer as well as Media information, News and Events, an Online Shop and much more.

NEW ZEALAND

  • Learn NZSL
    ‘Learn NZSL is a free learning portal for New Zealand Sign Language [NZSL]. Watch, learn and practise how to use NZSL in common situations, listed as nine topics. Within each topic, you’ll find plenty of videos, resources and exercises to keep you busy’. Check the menu at the top right to access resources information.
  • NZ Sign Language
    ‘New Zealand Sign Language is one of the official languages of New Zealand. It has developed over time within the New Zealand Deaf community and is central to Deaf people’s access to society, sense of identity and wellbeing’.
  • New Zealand Sign Language Dictionary
    ‘Explore the NZSL Dictionary by : Keyword Search in English/Māori languages; Visual Search by hand shape and body location; Browse over 50 topics; Learn about fingerspelling alphabet, numbers and classifiers’.

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Last updated :-

18 April 2023

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