Sign Language Course: Introduction to Auslan 1

About

Curious about Auslan (Australian Sign Language)? This 8-week Introduction to Auslan course offers a practical and engaging introduction to the language and culture of the Australian Deaf community — no prior experience required.

Taught by Deaf tutors, you'll begin using Auslan from your very first classes. Through visual, interactive learning, you'll develop practical signing skills, learn to fingerspell, ask and answer simple questions, and communicate basic information without relying on spoken language.

As you learn, you'll explore how facial expression, body movement, and visual attention form an important part of Auslan communication. You'll also gain insight into Deaf culture, identity, and respectful ways of communicating with Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

Whether you're learning for personal interest, work, or to connect more meaningfully with Deaf people in your community, this course will give you a strong foundation and the confidence to continue developing your Auslan communication skills.

Course content

During the course, participants will be guided through key concepts, techniques and approaches that typically include:

Language and communication skills

• Introduction to Auslan as a visual language
• Fingerspelling and introductory vocabulary
• Greetings, introductions, and exchanging basic information
• Asking and responding to simple questions
• Building simple signed conversations
• Using facial expression and body movement as part of communication