Sign Language Translator

Australia Sign Language

Australia's sign language is Auslan (Australian Sign Language), a unique visual language used by the Australian Deaf community. Our Text-to-Auslan translator tool that helps you change English words or letters into Australian Sign Language (Auslan). Just input the text and click on the convert button to view the sign images. Auslan is the language of the deaf community in Australia. You can translate the text to sign language as well as get a preview of all alphabets. With our translator, You can easily generate a message.

Australian Sign Language Translator

Translation Results

Australian Sign Language Alphabet

auslan in sign language

Auslan is the sign language used by many deaf people in Australia. To use the tool, you just type in your text and click a button to see pictures showing how to sign each word or letter. This makes it easier to learn and understand Auslan, especially for beginners or anyone wanting to communicate better with the deaf community. If you want to know about the signs of each alphabets, then check below the list of all images to get mastey in the Australian Sign Language Alphabet.

A

A in sign language

B

B in sign language

C

C in sign language

D

D in sign language

E

E in sign language

F

F in sign language

G

G in sign language

H

H in sign language

I

I in sign language

J

J in sign language

K

K in sign language

L

L in sign language

M

M in sign language

N

N in sign language

O

O in sign language

P

P in sign language

Q

Q in sign language

R

R in sign language

S

S in sign language

T

T in sign language

U

U in sign language

V

V in sign language

W

W in sign language

X

X in sign language

Y

Y in sign language

Z

Z in sign language

0

0 in sign language

1

1 in sign language

2

2 in sign language

3

3 in sign language

4

4 in sign language

5

5 in sign language

6

6 in sign language

7

7 in sign language

8

8 in sign language

9

9 in sign language

Sign Language in Australia

Sign language is key to communication and access all across Australia. For most, encountering the topic for the first time is a Google search: "Sign Language Australia." At the heart of this quest is curiosity or a desire to learn or a need for information on how Deaf Australians communicate and interact courteously and effectively with others.

This article breaks down the components of sign language (Australian) and Auslan: what it is, where it came from, how it works, and how to start learning / teaching beginners.

What is Australian Sign Language?

What People Are Saying When They're Googling "Sign Language Australia"

The users who are looking for Sign Language Australia are usually also interested in answers to the following questions:

This makes the search intent mostly informational, even for beginners - although there's some overlap with learning and service-oriented intent.

Is There Only 1 Sign Language in Australia?

There is no official sign language recognised by the Australian constitution. But, the official sign language of the Deaf community is Australian and one that public services, schools and courts, and the media use. The truth is that Auslan is the de facto (or at least, unofficial) sign language of Australia.

Overview of Auslan

Auslan is:

Why We Need Auslan in Australian Society

Auslan is essential for:

Without Auslan, generations of Deaf people would effectively be excluded from participating in society. It is valuable for more than communication, as a symbol of inclusion, rights and cultural affirmation.

What is Auslan? (Australian Sign Language Explained)

Auslan is the language of the Australian Deaf community. It uses:

All in all, these parts explain visually.

Auslan Full Form and Its Definition

It's called Auslan because it is Australian Sign Language, in the same way that ASL (American Sign Language) and many other sign languages are referred to by their acronyms.

How Similar or Different Is Auslan to ASL and BSL?

Auslan is not international or a universal language. It differs from:

Auslan has historical links to British Sign Language, but it is a distinct language with its own vocabulary and culture.

How Auslan Developed Historically

Auslan is a natural language that emerged from the Deaf community of Australia. It was shaped by:

It was not built or invented, but has developed, like any other language, through time.

Recognition of Auslan as A Community Language

Auslan is classified officially as a community language other than English and the Deaf community have achieved legal recognition of their linguistic rights.

History of Australian Sign Language

Early Deaf Education Provision in Australia

The first form of Australian Deaf education was established from the mid-1800s. Traditional schools made extensive use of sign language as the medium of instruction.

British Influence on Auslan

British teachers were instrumental in this process: many of the initial sign systems used in Australia were developed in Britain. What would become Auslan was very like, but not the same as BSL (British Sign Language).

A Brief History of Auslan

As Deaf Australians consolidated into their own communities, Auslan was formed with:

This is the factor which created a division between Auslan and BSL, because both started in the same way.

Recognition Milestones for Auslan

Important developments include:

Government Promotion and Support History

Government support increased through:

These victories helped to normalise Auslan in public life.

Is Auslan the Official Australian Sign Language?

Status of Auslan in Australia

Auslan is recognised but not constitutionally official. If we acknowledge it, that means it is enshrined in statute and policy.

Official Language Status Vs Recognition by the State

Official or not, Auslan is:

In practice, it is the token of entry and complete participation.

Where Auslan Is Used

Auslan is used in:

Auslan in National Disability Policies

Auslan access is integral to national disability and accessibility systems, which supports its status. Its position on national disability and accessibility agendas ensures the carriage of Auslan access.

How Auslan Works: Structure & Linguistics

Auslan Grammar And Word Order

Auslan grammar is different to English. It could be topic first a lot.

Hand Shape, Movement and Location

Meaning depends on:

The smallest shift can make everything different.

Facial Expressions

Facial expressions are grammatical constituents of language, not ornamental. They show:

Role of Non-Manual Signals

Non-manual signals include:

They are crucial for correct comprehension.

Fingerspelling in Auslan

Fingerspelling is used for:

Auslan Alphabet (Finger Spelling Guide)

Contrasting Auslan and ASL Alphabets

Auslan uses a two-handed alphabet composed of representative hand gestures, which is taken from BSL. ASL uses one-handed signing. ASL has its own syntax and grammar, a standalone language that has evolved outside of spoken languages (although it descended from French Sign Language). The very idea that Auslan signs are not directly drawn from ASL simply means that letter handshapes and movements will not be the same.

When Fingerspelling Is Used

Fingerspelling should complement sign language, not supplement it.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Tips for Practicing Fingerspelling

Common Auslan Signs for Beginners

Basic Auslan Signs

Common Use Signs

Emergency Signs

Being aware of the signs of an emergency can be particularly helpful.

Polite Phrases in Auslan

Politeness, facial expressions, and posture are used to indicate social presence.

Cultural Etiquette While Signing

Learning Auslan / Australian Sign Language

Best Ways to Learn Auslan

Online vs In-Person Classes

Do in-person learning with cultural immersion, or choose online classes, with flexibility.

Learning Auslan as a Hearing Individual

Those learning Auslan are predominantly hearing and include parents, teachers, and professionals.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Auslan?

Practice Tips for Beginners

Best Auslan Courses & Resources

TAFE Auslan Courses

TAFE colleges throughout Australia provide formal training starting at certificate level to diploma courses, provided to equip teachers to teach Auslan in schools. They are popular because:

University Auslan Programs

Several Australian universities offer:

University programs are particularly for those who wish to become a professional interpreter or teacher or researcher.

Online Auslan Learning Platforms

These days, even people living in remote pockets of the country can learn Auslan through online lessons. These platforms normally include:

Free Auslan Resources

If you want to take a stab at learning Auslan, the free resources include:

YouTube Channels and Mobile Apps

Visual learners benefit greatly from:

They offer everyday exposure and practice of the material.

Community Learning Groups

Local Deaf clubs and groups provide:

The best way to learn fluency and culture is together in community.

Who Uses Auslan in Australia?

Deaf Community in Australia

Auslan is the largest community language of the Deaf in Australia. Auslan is the first language of many Deaf Australians, and is an important part of that community's cultural identity.

Hearing People Who Use Auslan

There are many Australians who, as hearing people have some signing ability in Auslan:

Interpreters and Educators

Auslan is what interpreters and teachers of the deaf use in their daily work, when interpreting at formal occasions.

Healthcare and Emergency Services

Just on the grounds of safety – to ensure the safety of both provider and receiver, we need Auslan in our hospitals, health centres and emergency services.

Family Members of Deaf Individuals

It is in this context that in many families, parents have decided to engage in learning Auslan to maintain close relationships with their children and even the playing field at home.

Auslan Interpreters in Australia

What Auslan Interpreters Do

An Auslan interpreter is working behind the scenes, trying to accommodate two different needs: those who cannot hear and those that can. They work in:

Where Interpreting is Required

Interpreters are officially required in:

This is related to disability access and discrimination law.

Becoming an Auslan Interpreter

The typical pathway includes:

Accreditation Bodies in Australia

Skilled translators will abide by national standards and ethical guidelines to guarantee both accuracy and ethics in interpretation.

Job Prospects and Salary

Demand for Auslan interpreting is rising across Australia, and predominantly in the health and education fields.

Auslan in Schools & Universities

Auslan in the Curriculum

Auslan is taught:

The language can now be heard in schools, as well as spoken languages.

Auslan as a Second Language Option

Many hearing school students are now electing to study Auslan as a language, leading to the dismantling of barriers to inclusion and awareness.

Support for Deaf Students

Educational support includes:

Deaf children have the right to develop a viable first language through which they learn curriculum content and should be enabled by the provision of bilingual sign and English from an early age.

Differences between Auslan, ASL and BSL

Auslan vs ASL (American Sign Language)

ASL has a one-handed alphabet while Auslan uses two hands.

Auslan vs BSL (British Sign Language)

Alphabet, Grammar and Vocabulary Differences

Every sign language is fundamentally complex with its unique set of grammatical principles as well as associated cultural connotations.

Why Sign Languages Aren't Universal

Just as any oral language, so too a sign language develops within the context of a local community. There isn't one universal sign language.

Deaf Culture in Australia

What is Deaf Culture?

Deaf culture is a social belief system that accepts deaf people and deafness as a part of the human experience. Deaf culture includes the community values, beliefs, history, language, and behaviours proportionate to those who are either born deaf or became so at an early age.

Etiquette & Getting Attention

Community Values & Identity

Values include:

Australian Deaf Events & Awareness

Events, such as social groups and Deaf awareness weeks work to create greater inclusion.

Technology & Auslan: Apps, AI & Accessibility

New technologies are having an impact on how Auslan is being learned and used.

Auslan Translation Apps

Apps support:

AI Tools Supporting Sign Language

AI is researching:

AI looks promising, but it should not be a replacement for human interpreters.

Subtitles and Video Relay Services

Subtitles and video relay services provide access to life, education and employment.

Accessibility Laws and Digital Inclusion

The pressure to make content readily available online creates higher demand for captioning and universal design.

Challenges for Auslan Users Today

Though barriers are falling, many obstacles remain.

Interpreter Shortages

The supply is often unable to meet the demand, particularly in rural areas.

Barriers on Accessibility

Public spaces are not always conducive to Auslan use.

Educational and Employment Issues

Deaf people in Australia remain among the most educationally disadvantaged groups.

Problems in Public Awareness

Many do not know how to interact with Deaf people.

Future of Auslan (Australian Sign Language)

Increasing Awareness and Inclusion

There is increasing public awareness regarding Auslan in Australia.

AI and Tech: New Players

Technology is central in teaching and access, but human expertise cannot be replaced.

Government Measures

Accessibility and inclusion are increasingly becoming matters of policy.

Auslan in Mainstream Education

More schools are opening Auslan programs, and the stigma against sign language is fading.

FAQs

What is Australian sign language?

The primary language of the Australian Deaf community is Auslan.

Is Auslan the same as ASL?

No, Auslan and ASL are different languages.

Can hearing people learn Auslan?

Yes. Many Auslan students are hearing.

Is Auslan being taught in schools?

Yes, in many schools and districts.

How many people are using Auslan across Australia?

Every single day, tens of thousands of Australians use Auslan.

Is Auslan hard to learn?

With practice, beginners can get the basics fairly quickly.

Is Auslan the official language of Australia?

Auslan is a recognized community language, but not constitutionally official.

Conclusion: The Significance of Auslan in Australia

There's so much more to Auslan than a method of communication. It's a language, culture and an expression of inclusivity within Australian society. Australians learning about and promoting Auslan are helping to:

Whether you're Deaf or hearing, Auslan opens the door to a new world.