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 …
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’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 …
Many countries around the world have their own sign language. In Australia, we have Auslan. Some people mistakenly assume that ASL might stand for Australian Sign Language – It is easy to see where the confusion may come from! However, ASL actually stands for American Sign Language which is used in North America (USA and Canada). Australian …
We are not the same: Australian Sign Language (Auslan) and American Sign Language (ASL) Read More »
Most people in Australia speak Englisch. Many would agree that ENGLISH is hard to learn. If these two sentences felt a little strange to read – the first one because it is misspelt (Englisch), the second because it is unnecessarily capitalised (ENGLISH) – then welcome to Auslan where this happens all the time. All. The. …
When learning Auslan in Australia, you will inevitably learn about the northern and southern dialects. I have noticed some confusion and concern around dialectical differences by new Auslan learners time and time again. Let’s explore Auslan dialect and hopefully I can share why I believe learners shouldn’t be so worried about it. Firstly, let’s look …
The unprecedented arrival of Covid-19 was a pretty horrid time for many of us; some it affected more than others for a variety of reasons. While I understood the need for the wearing of masks, it didn’t negate the immense difficulties it presented to everyday dealings and interacting with hearing people. I have been aware, …
(Note: While the term can be interchangeable – sign name or name sign, for the purpose of this blog, I will be using sign name). If you are familiar with Auslan and its Deaf community, you will know about or have heard about sign names. Sign names have a rich cultural heritage in Deaf communities all …
