This is a reminder for all people using and learning Auslan: Don’t assume you know or are using the citation form of a sign. Also, don’t assume that the person you are copying from or learning from necessarily knows, or is using, the correct citation form either. I speak from personal experience. Citation form refers …
The word manual means ‘relating to or done with the hands.’ From this we can surmise that manual forms of communication refer to communication done with and involving the hands. There is often confusion around the differences between Auslan and other manual forms of communication that may be seen, known, or used throughout Australia. Firstly, let’s look …
The number of well-intentioned parents and grandparents who come up to me and proudly tell me that they are learning sign language and using it with their children/grandchildren is very encouraging. Although, this excitement can often turn to dismay and concern when they proceed to proudly show me the ASL signs they’ve unwittingly been learning …
Oops! Common Mistakes With Sourcing Auslan Signs Read More »
I remember some time back when a video was posted by Deaf Aboriginal Services sharing the ‘other’ sign of AUSTRALIA (which I’ll refer to as AUSTRALIA2 throughout this blog). I was so excited when I saw the beautiful sign that these two Indigenous women shared with us. Samantha Wilson (Muthi Muthi) and Joanna Agius (Narungga) explained that the …
I remember when I first saw (what I thought was) the new sign for NZ. I was so excited, it’s such a lovely sign, it flows so beautifully and visually depicts the two islands of NZ. Because it was only shown to me – not explained – I assumed it was the new sign and …
I’ll let you in on a little secret. There have been times when I need some illustrations of Auslan signs and I’ll go to New Zealand Sign Language Online Dictionary to see if I can get the picture I need. *NOTE: I’d only advise you to do this if you are already very familiar with Auslan signs.* …
Noticeable Difference between NZSL and Auslan Resources Read More »
I’ve been teaching Auslan for a number of years now and yet I was still taken aback recently by a student’s question. This student is relatively new to Auslan, is a quick-study and picking it up rapidly. They attended a Deaf event and during conversations with Deaf/Auslan users, they noticed someone sign what looked like …
This is for individuals to learn the basics of Auslan; this is self-paced and can take as long or be as quick as they’d like. (Level 2 is coming soon). The online course has 2.5hrs of content. This doesn’t include the time taken to complete the accompanying activities. A certificate of participation is provided upon completion …
These videos can be clicked on according to what you need to know. If you are an Auslan teacher (Deaf or hearing), you might want to make sure you understand the concepts covered in the curriculum (or the Blue Bible). These videos aim to explain the concepts simply so that they are easily understood. If …
Coming Online Auslan Linguistics Educational Video Series Read More »
Auslan Taster sessions are for community groups, workplaces and organisations who would like to enjoy a fun yet informative session about Auslan and learn some absolute basics to be able to communicate with an Auslan user immediately (at a basic level). Auslan Alphabet Greetings Questions Manners This is great for a staff professional development, especially …
