Sign language course: Introduction to Auslan 1

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

Visual communication

• Developing visual attention and awareness

• Using gesture and visual communication strategies

• Understanding the importance of eye contact and positioning

• Practising receptive skills and understanding signed communication

Deaf culture and community

• Introduction to the Australian Deaf community

• Deaf culture, identity, and communication

• Respectful approaches to communicating with Deaf and hard-of-hearing people

Intended audience

This course is suitable for:

• Complete beginners with no prior Auslan experience

• People who want to communicate more effectively with Deaf and hard-of-hearing people

• Learners interested in Auslan, Deaf culture, and the Australian Deaf community

• People learning Auslan for personal, community, or professional reasons

• Anyone interested in developing practical visual communication skills

No prior Auslan or sign language experience is required