Where to learn more
Want to learn Auslan?
This page has been created to give some starting points for people in the University of Sydney Community wanting to learn more Auslan, about the Deaf community or how to improve access and is specific to NSW.
If there is an organisation we have missed which you think should be on here, send us an email so we can add it.
Learn with SignSoc
SignSoc Workshops
We run once off workshops at different points during the semester. Make sure to sign up as a member and follow our Facebook page to receive notifications.
SL1 and SL2 classes
Some semesters we run a 7 or 8 week introductory course at a discounted price. If we are not currently running one you can go directly to Deaf Connect.
Certified Courses
Once you have learnt the basics you will want to learn more. Certified courses are a great way to do this. In NSW the main providers are Deaf Connect and TAFE.
Deaf Connect
Deaf Connect runs Cert II to Diploma courses as part time courses. Classes run on evenings or weekends over 6 months.
TAFE NSW
TAFE also runs part time Certificate II and III courses in a variety of locations. These courses tend to run for 1 year each.
Get Involved in the Community
You can't learn a language without practice. The Deaf community is welcoming to people learning Auslan. Come along with the right attitude and you may find that learning through immersion is one of the best ways to pick up signs and practice. Once you can fingerspell and ask for repeats you can communicate voice off.
We meet through the semester. Great place to meet other staff and students learning Auslan
A local group open to beginners run over Facebook. They meet at Sydney Park, The Bank Hotel and on Zoom
A large social event that meets in Burwood monthly, better for experienced signers
Organisations like The Deafblind Association have volunteer opportunities which can be fun, rewarding and educational
Tutoring
Many organisations offer Auslan tutoring. If you have NDIS funding it can often be used to cover the cost. Most places allow you to get a group of friends or family together.
Information about Aboriginal Sign Languages
There are many Aboriginal sign languages across Australia. They are different to Auslan (which descends from British Sign Language). There are important projects happening to record, continue and revitalise these languages.
A program bringing together Deaf Aboriginal women from different regions
Learning Resources
These are not equivalent to going to classes and events but can help supplement your learning, are helpful reference tools and practice material
Asphyxia has an online course with some great videos and information about the Deaf community. Her book Future Girl is also a great read. The videos show some Melbourne variations which are not used in NSW but will be understood.
A search engine which gives results from a range of sites including Signbank. Good for checking if you have remembered a sign correctly.
Auslan Anywhere allows you to request how to sign phrases in Auslan and see the answers to other requests.
Australian Sign Language: an Introduction to Sign Language Linguistics by Adam Schembri and Trevor Johnston and Auslan Dictionary by Trevor Johnston are available through the USyd library
Students and community members share videos of themselves fingerspelling on this Facebook group. Great for practicing readback and why not submit a video of yourself
This is an American based series but has lots of useful information from how to work with an interpreter to ways to support Deaf students.
Email us if you know of anything else that should be on this page and would like us to add it, or if a link is broken.