Auslan (Australian Sign Language)

Deaf people throughout the world use different sign languages, just as hearing people speak different languages, depending on their country of origin.

Australian Sign Language (Auslan) is the language of the Australian Deaf community. Auslan evolved from British Sign Language and is a community language that is recognised by Australia's National Language Policy.

Auslan is a visual and spatial language that has its own grammar and is composed of precise hand shapes, facial expressions and body movements that can convey both concrete and abstract information. Auslan is not a signed representation of spoken English language.

Using the two-handed finger spelling alphabet of words is used where no sign for an English word exists, such as for names of people or places.    

Deaf Services Queensland gives you the opportunity to learn Auslan and increase your ability to communicate with Deaf people.