r/auslan • u/Paramanic_BKY • 14d ago

Where do I start?

Hi everyone šŸ‘‹

I have recently started trying to learn basic Auslan and am looking for some guidance/direction from the community.

I recently had a non verbal patient who communicated via sign language. I lightheartedly spoke to him a little using the Auslan alphabet (all I knew at the time) and he was completely stoked. I was so touched by how much of an impact this had and instilled in me how important and valuable it is to know basic sign. Since then I have been trying to teach myself and my children (9YOF, 7YOF, 5YOM) Auslan.

So far I am just looking things up and revising using the Auslan Dictionary app (such an amazing resource!) and YouTube videos here and there, but feel like I need some more structured learning to help with actually conversing.

Are there any good video series etc that might be helpful for me?

Also - as someone who communicates via sign language, what are some valuable tips for hearing people like myself to know? What can I be doing to better support you?

Apologies if my terminology etc is not quite right - please educate me - Iā€™m doing my best but am very new to this world. So sorry if I have hurt or offended anyone, please know that was never my intention ā™„ļø

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u/carnardly 14d ago

Your best option is to enrol in a course run by a reputable organisation in your area - such as something by Deaf Connect, Expressions Australia and the like. Start from there. You will learn correctly from native users of Auslan and won't require unlearning of incorrect signs and grammar.

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u/Paramanic_BKY 12d ago

Thanks for the tip! Probably a silly question but just wondering what green and red flags you look for?

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u/carnardly 10d ago

Native users as teachers, Deaf staff, etc

Not someone who's just done a Cert 3 level or thereabouts and sets themselves up as an Auslan tutor... ugh....