When you first learn that your child is deaf or hard of hearing, or when you decide to learn Auslan to connect with the Deaf community, the journey ahead can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Perhaps you’ve heard the term “Auslan” mentioned by audiologists, teachers, or other families, but you’re not quite sure where to begin. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting started with Australian Sign Language, from understanding what it is to taking your first steps in learning this beautiful, expressive language.
What is Auslan?
Auslan—short for Australian Sign Language—is the language used by the majority of Australia’s Deaf community. It’s not simply a visual version of English; rather, it’s a complete, natural language with its own unique grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. Just as English differs from French or Mandarin, Auslan differs significantly from spoken English and from other sign languages used around the world.
Auslan evolved from British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL), brought to Australia by Deaf immigrants and teachers in the 1800s. The first schools for Deaf children were established in the 1860s—the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children in New South Wales and the Victorian College for the Deaf—and these institutions played an enormous role in the development and spread of Auslan throughout the country.
The Australian Government officially recognised Auslan as a community language in 1991, acknowledging it as the preferred language of the Australian Deaf community. Today, it’s estimated that over 20,000 Australians use Auslan as their primary or preferred language for communication.
Why Learn Auslan?
Families come to Auslan for many different reasons, and each journey is valid and valuable. Understanding why you want to learn can help shape your approach and keep you motivated during the learning process.
For Families with Deaf Children
If your child is deaf or hard of hearing, learning Auslan together as a family can be transformative. Research consistently shows that early exposure to sign language supports language development, cognitive growth, and emotional wellbeing. Deaf children with access to sign language from an early age typically achieve stronger literacy skills and better educational outcomes.
Beyond the developmental benefits, Auslan gives your child access to the Deaf community and culture. It provides them with a sense of identity and belonging, connecting them to a rich cultural heritage and a supportive community of people who share similar experiences.
For Hearing Family Members
Learning Auslan demonstrates commitment and love. It shows your deaf family member that you value their language and are willing to meet them in their communication comfort zone. Many hearing parents, siblings, and extended family members describe learning Auslan as one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives, deepening family bonds and opening up new channels of connection.
For Professional and Personal Development
Teachers, healthcare workers, social workers, and customer service professionals are increasingly recognising the value of Auslan skills. Being able to communicate with Deaf clients, patients, or students in their preferred language improves service delivery and demonstrates genuine inclusivity. Additionally, many hearing people simply find Auslan fascinating and want to learn it to connect with Deaf friends, colleagues, or community members.
Understanding the Basics: How Auslan Works
Before you dive into learning signs, it’s helpful to understand some fundamental concepts about how Auslan functions as a language.
It’s Visual and Spatial
Auslan relies on what you can see—hand shapes, movements, body language, and facial expressions all work together to convey meaning. Where you make a sign in relation to your body can change its meaning entirely. For example, signs made near your head might relate to thinking or emotions, while signs made lower down might relate to physical actions.
Facial Expressions Are Grammar
In Auslan, your face does more than just show emotion—it’s actually part of the grammatical structure. A raised eyebrow might indicate a question, while a particular facial expression can modify the intensity or meaning of a sign. This is one of the aspects that surprises many new learners; you can’t sign effectively with a blank face!
Grammar is Different from English
Auslan has its own sentence structure that differs from English. While English typically follows a Subject-Verb-Object order (“I eat apple”), Auslan might use different structures depending on what you want to emphasise. Time is often established at the beginning of a sentence, and there are unique ways of showing relationships between ideas that don’t exist in spoken English.
Regional Variations Exist
Just as Australian English has regional accents and vocabulary differences (think “potato cake” versus “potato scallop”), Auslan has dialects. Traditionally, there are two main dialect groups—Northern (Queensland and New South Wales) and Southern (Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia). While these differences have decreased over time due to better communication and education, you might still encounter signs that vary between regions or even between cities.
First Steps: How to Begin Learning
Now that you understand what Auslan is, let’s explore practical ways to start your learning journey.
Start with the Fingerspelling Alphabet
The Auslan alphabet—also called fingerspelling—is a great place to begin. It’s a manual alphabet used to spell out words that don’t have a specific sign, such as names, places, or new terminology. The Auslan alphabet is two-handed (unlike American Sign Language, which uses one hand), making it quite distinctive.
Practising fingerspelling helps you develop the hand dexterity and muscle memory needed for signing. Start by spelling simple words, then progress to spelling your family members’ names. Remember, fingerspelling is used sparingly in everyday conversation—it’s just one tool among many.
Learn Basic Vocabulary
Begin with signs you’ll use frequently in daily life. Common categories for beginners include:
- Family members: mum, dad, sister, brother, grandparent
- Daily activities: eat, drink, sleep, play, work
- Basic questions: what, where, when, who, why
- Feelings: happy, sad, angry, tired, hungry
- Colours and numbers: foundational vocabulary that appears constantly
The key is consistency. Learning ten signs and using them every day is far more effective than learning fifty signs and never practising them.
Understand Sign Structure
Every sign in Auslan is made up of several components:
- Handshape: The shape your hand makes (flat hand, fist, pointing finger, etc.)
- Location: Where you make the sign (at your chest, near your head, in neutral space)
- Movement: How your hand moves (circular, up and down, side to side)
- Orientation: Which direction your palm faces
- Non-manual features: Facial expressions and body language
When learning a new sign, try to identify these components. This analytical approach helps you remember signs more accurately and understand how the language works.
Use Quality Resources
The good news is that there are excellent free and paid resources available for learning Auslan. The Auslan Signbank is an invaluable tool—it’s an online dictionary with video demonstrations of thousands of signs. You can search by English word or browse by category, and each entry includes information about how the sign is made and where it’s commonly used.
For families with young children, programs like “Sally & Possum” provide engaging, age-appropriate content in Auslan. The ABC and other broadcasters occasionally feature Auslan content, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, many Australians became familiar with Auslan through the interpreters present at government press conferences.
Mobile apps such as Auslan Tutor and Auslan Dictionary provide portable learning tools that you can practise with anywhere. Many of these apps are free or low-cost, making them accessible to most families.
Formal Learning Options
While self-study is valuable, many families benefit from structured learning through courses and classes.
TAFE and Adult Education
Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions across Australia offer accredited Auslan courses ranging from introductory certificates to advanced diplomas. These courses provide a solid foundation in the language and are taught by experienced instructors, many of whom are Deaf themselves.
Accredited courses follow the national curriculum and can lead to qualifications that are recognised if you wish to work as an interpreter or in related fields. However, even if you’re not pursuing a career path, these courses offer structured, comprehensive learning with opportunities to practise with classmates.
Community Courses
Many Deaf organisations and community centres offer non-accredited Auslan courses. These tend to be shorter, more affordable, and focused on practical communication skills. They’re excellent for families who want to learn together in a supportive environment. Check with organisations like Deaf Victoria, Deaf Services Queensland, Deaf Can:Do in South Australia, or your state’s Deaf organisation for available courses.
Private Tutors
One-on-one instruction or small group tutoring can be highly effective, especially for families who want personalised attention and flexible scheduling. Many Deaf tutors offer private lessons, and this provides the added benefit of learning from someone whose first language is Auslan. This immersive approach accelerates learning and helps you develop more natural signing patterns.
Online Learning
Distance and scheduling constraints are no longer barriers to learning Auslan. Many courses and tutors now offer online sessions via video platforms. While in-person learning has advantages, online learning can be equally effective for motivated students and offers greater flexibility for busy families.
Practising and Building Fluency
Learning signs is just the beginning—building fluency requires consistent practice and real-world use.
Create a Signing Environment at Home
Incorporate Auslan into your daily routines. Start with simple situations: sign during mealtimes, before bed, or during play. You don’t need to sign everything—in fact, it’s better to sign consistently in specific contexts than to sign sporadically throughout the day and burn out.
Create visual reminders around your home. Labelling items with signs (using pictures or printed screenshots from Signbank) can help everyone remember and practise vocabulary. Make signing fun and pressure-free, especially with children. Games, songs, and storytime in Auslan are excellent ways to practise without it feeling like work.
Connect with the Deaf Community
Language learning happens best in context, with real communication. Seek out opportunities to interact with Deaf Auslan users. Many cities have Deaf clubs, social events, and community gatherings where hearing people learning Auslan are welcome.
Attending these events might feel intimidating at first, but most Deaf community members are supportive of hearing people making the effort to learn their language. Be humble, patient with yourself, and willing to learn not just the language but also about Deaf culture and etiquette.
Watch Auslan Content
Immersion accelerates learning. Watch videos of Auslan users having conversations, telling stories, or presenting information. While you might not understand everything at first, you’ll start recognising signs, picking up on facial expressions, and developing a feel for the rhythm and flow of the language.
The ABC occasionally broadcasts programs with Auslan interpretation, and there are Deaf vloggers and content creators on social media platforms who share content in Auslan. Following these creators exposes you to natural, fluent signing and keeps you engaged with the language.
Be Patient with Yourself
Learning any language takes time, and sign language is no exception. You will make mistakes—wrong handshapes, forgotten signs, awkward facial expressions. That’s not just okay; it’s essential to the learning process. Deaf people generally appreciate the effort far more than they mind the mistakes.
Set realistic expectations. You won’t become fluent overnight, but with consistent practice, you’ll be surprised by how quickly you progress. Celebrate small victories: the first time you have a simple conversation entirely in Auslan, or when your child signs something back to you unprompted. These moments make the journey worthwhile.
Understanding Deaf Culture
Learning Auslan isn’t just about memorising signs—it’s also about understanding and respecting Deaf culture. The Deaf community has its own rich cultural traditions, values, and ways of interacting.
Identity and Pride
Many Deaf people view being Deaf not as a disability but as a cultural and linguistic identity. The capital “D” in “Deaf” signifies this cultural identity, while “deaf” with a lowercase “d” typically refers to the audiological condition of not hearing. Understanding this distinction is important—many Deaf people don’t want to be “fixed” or pitied; they simply want to be understood and accommodated.
Communication Norms
Deaf culture has its own communication etiquette. For example, getting someone’s attention by tapping them gently on the shoulder or waving in their visual field is normal and expected. Maintaining eye contact during signed conversations isn’t just polite—it’s essential, as it’s how you “listen” in a visual language.
It’s also important to understand that not all Deaf people use Auslan. Some use spoken language with assistive devices, some use a combination of methods, and some use different sign languages depending on their background. Never assume someone’s communication preferences—ask, or follow their lead.
Deaf Gain, Not Hearing Loss
The concept of “Deaf Gain” flips the deficit narrative on its head. Instead of focusing on what Deaf people supposedly lack (hearing), it celebrates what Deaf culture and sign language contribute to society: unique perspectives, visual-spatial intelligence, artistic expression, and linguistic diversity. As you learn Auslan and connect with the Deaf community, you might find that it’s not just your Deaf child or family member who gains something—it’s you, too.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Every learner faces obstacles. Here are some common challenges and strategies to overcome them:
“I Feel Self-Conscious”
Signing, especially as a beginner, can feel awkward. Your movements might seem exaggerated or unnatural. Remember that this discomfort is temporary. The more you practise, the more natural signing will feel. Deaf people are generally encouraging and appreciate the effort—they won’t judge you for being a learner.
“I Can’t Remember Signs”
This is completely normal. Memory improves with repetition and use. Instead of trying to learn dozens of signs at once, focus on mastering a small set of useful signs. Use them daily until they become automatic, then gradually add more. Flashcards, apps with spaced repetition, and labelling items around your home can all help with retention.
“My Family Isn’t On Board”
If you’re learning Auslan for a deaf child but other family members aren’t participating, it can feel isolating. Start small—share why it’s important to you, demonstrate simple signs, and invite family members to join you for easy activities like learning the alphabet or basic greetings. Sometimes people need to see the benefits before they’re willing to commit. When your child lights up because Grandma learned to sign “I love you,” hearts change.
“There Are No Classes Near Me”
Remote and regional Australians face real challenges in accessing Auslan education. Online courses, video tutorials, and virtual tutoring can bridge this gap. Additionally, consider organising a small learning group in your community—even if there’s no formal instructor nearby, learning together provides accountability and practice opportunities.
Long-Term Commitment and Goals
Learning Auslan is a marathon, not a sprint. Think about what success looks like for your family and set appropriate goals.
For some families, basic conversational ability is sufficient—being able to discuss daily activities, feelings, and plans. For others, particularly those with Deaf children, the goal might be full fluency, allowing for complex discussions about emotions, education, future plans, and abstract concepts.
Whatever your goals, remember that language learning is an ongoing process. Even native signers continue to learn throughout their lives. Be patient, stay curious, and celebrate progress along the way.
Additional Resources and Support
As you begin your Auslan journey, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Australia has a strong network of support for families learning Auslan:
- State Deaf organisations: Each state has organisations that offer courses, resources, and community connections
- Aussie Deaf Kids: A national organisation providing support, information, and community for families with deaf children
- Early intervention services: If you have a young deaf child, early intervention programs can connect you with professionals and other families
- Social media groups: Online communities of parents, siblings, and Auslan learners share tips, resources, and encouragement
Your Journey Starts Now
Beginning to learn Auslan is a significant step—one that demonstrates love, commitment, and openness to a new way of communicating and understanding the world. Whether you’re learning for a deaf child, a family member, professional development, or personal interest, you’re embarking on a journey that will enrich your life in unexpected ways.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment or until you feel “ready.” Start today. Learn the alphabet, memorise five signs, watch an Auslan video, or sign up for a course. Every expert started exactly where you are now—at the beginning, with more questions than answers, but with the willingness to try.
The Deaf community welcomes you. Your family will benefit. And you might just discover that learning Auslan doesn’t just help you communicate—it transforms how you see the world. Welcome to this beautiful, expressive language. Welcome to the start of your Auslan journey.