Auslan, short for Australian Sign Language, is the language used by the Australian Deaf community. It's a rich, fully-fledged language with its own unique grammar, structure, and vocabulary—distinct from spoken English and other sign languages around the world.
Auslan isn't just a simple system of signs for words, but rather a complete means of communication, deeply tied to the culture and history of its users.
In this blog, we’ll explore what makes Auslan unique, its origins, and why it's so important to the Deaf community in Australia.
What is Auslan?
Auslan is the sign language used by the majority of the Deaf community in Australia. It is visually based, relying on gestures, facial expressions and body language. Just like any spoken language, Auslan has its own syntax (sentence structure), grammar, and vocabulary that differ from English. It also involves the use of classifiers (handshapes that represent categories of objects) and non-manual signals (like facial expressions) to convey nuances and tone.
Although it shares some similarities with other sign languages, particularly those of the British Commonwealth (like British Sign Language, or BSL), Auslan is a distinct language. Its closest relative is British Sign Language, although it has evolved independently since its introduction in Australia.
The Origins of Auslan-
The origins of Auslan date back to the early 19th century. When deaf children were sent to the first school for the Deaf in Sydney, The School for Deaf and Dumb Children (now known as the Sydney School for the Deaf), they brought with them regional signs and methods of communication from their families, including a combination of signs, lip reading, and gestures. Over time, these regional signs began to blend and evolve into a more standardized form of communication among Deaf Australians.
Features of Auslan-
Visual Language: Auslan is inherently visual. It doesn’t rely on sound, so users express themselves using their hands, facial expressions, and body movements. A speaker’s face is an essential part of the message, with raised eyebrows, a furrowed brow, and other facial cues helping to convey grammatical markers like questions, emphasis, or negation.
Grammar and Syntax: The structure of Auslan is different from English. For example, in English, the word order typically follows a subject-verb-object structure, but in Auslan, the subject-object-verb structure is more common. This means the order of signs in a sentence might differ from how you would express the same idea in English.
Non-manual Features: Non-manual features (NMFs) such as facial expressions, head tilts, and shoulder movements are key to understanding the meaning of signs in Auslan. A simple sign can change its meaning entirely depending on the facial expression or movement that accompanies it.
Use of Space: Auslan uses the space around the signer to show directionality, indicate locations, and help clarify meaning. For instance, if someone is describing where multiple people are located in a room, they might use space to position each person in relation to the others.
Fingerspelling: As with many sign languages, Auslan uses a system of fingerspelling to represent the alphabet and specific names. This is often used for proper nouns, places, and technical terms that don’t have a specific sign in the language.
Importance of Auslan in the Deaf Community-
For Deaf Australians, Auslan is much more than a language—it’s a vital part of identity and culture. The Australian Deaf community has its own social, cultural, and historical traditions, and Auslan is the medium through which this community communicates, expresses itself, and connects with one another.
Cultural Identity: Auslan fosters a sense of belonging. It’s a shared language that allows Deaf Australians to participate in their community and embrace a unique cultural heritage.
Access and Equality: As with any minority language, access to Auslan is vital for ensuring equal opportunities for Deaf individuals in education, employment, and social participation. The recognition of Auslan as a legitimate language is an ongoing process, and in recent years, there have been strides made to include it in schools, workplaces, and even healthcare settings.
Language Preservation: In 1987, Auslan was officially recognized as a community language in Australia. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that it remains a thriving, accessible, and protected language for future generations.
The Evolution of Auslan -
Auslan continues to evolve. As new technology, cultural influences, and social changes shape the world, so too does the language. New signs emerge to reflect innovations in technology, medicine, and culture. At the same time, older signs may fall out of use. Auslan, like any living language, is fluid and ever-changing.
A significant shift in recent years has been the increased visibility of Auslan in media and public life. With the rise of social media, more Deaf people are using video platforms to share their experiences and promote the use of Auslan. There is also growing support for the inclusion of Auslan in schools and workplaces, ensuring that young Deaf people have access to education in their first language.
The Future of Auslan -
In the future, the continued recognition and support for Auslan are crucial for its survival and development. Advocates continue to call for more Deaf-friendly policies in education, health, and public services, as well as efforts to ensure that the language is passed down to future generations. Auslan may face challenges, particularly in a world that often prioritizes spoken language, but its resilience and the passion of the Deaf community will likely ensure its continued use.
Auslan is far more than a means of communication—it’s a rich, cultural language that connects people, preserves history, and fosters a sense of identity. While challenges remain, the growth of Auslan in education, the media, and daily life offers hope for its continued vibrancy and importance. Whether you're a member of the Deaf community or simply interested in learning more, Auslan is a testament to the power of language to connect people, express creativity, and enrich lives.
We are so proud to be able to know and use this amazing language in our family and daily life for our little boy.
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