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What is Auslan?
Auslan Auslan is the language of the Deaf Community in Australia. The name Auslan is an abbreviation of Australian Sign Language. It is an officially recognised Australian language, in the same way numerous Australian Indigenous languages are.

Like any other language it has its own grammar and structure and is not universal. Auslan has its origins in British Sign Language (BSL) and over the years has adopted or borrowed some signs from other sign languages such as American Sign Language (ASL).

Auslan is a visual spatial language, which consists of hand movements, facial expressions, body language and fingerspelling. There are five parameters or linguistic building blocks that make up Auslan signs; these are:

  • handshape
  • orientation
  • location
  • movement
  • non-manual features (e.g. facial expression)

Deaf Education Network's Basic (Community) Auslan courses provide numerous handouts containing summaries of the latest information about Auslan and Deafness awareness. Below are a few examples that will give you more information about Auslan:

For more information, check out:

To find out more about the History of Auslan, check out:

Is sign language the same around the world?
No. Just like spoken languages, sign languages are living practical languages used every day and are different in various countries. When Deaf people from different countries meet, they communicate effectively using International Sign (IS). International Sign is considered a sign system, rather than a complete language. It does not convey the same complexity of information as native sign languages. International Sign is primarily used at international conferences and gatherings. It is more gestural than native sign languages, though it does include a small number of agreed signs.

How is Signed English different from Auslan?
Signed English is entirely different from Auslan, although it does borrow many signs from Auslan and this is where some confusion occurs. Signed English is manually coded English, so it is English delivered in a different format and is mainly used in education settings. It is not a sign language as it is not a language separate from English but a signed form of English. Signed English is a component of the educational communication system called Total Communication and is designed to be used in conjunction with spoken English. Signed English uses English grammar and syntax (a sign for word system).

I've heard about Pidgin Sign English, what is it?
Pidgin Sign English is a form of contact signing. Contact sign occurs when a sign language is influenced in expression by another language, in this case English. Almost like a combination of Signed English and Auslan, it is not a language but a pidgin, a mixture of two languages used for practical purposes when two people who use different languages communicate and need to find a common ground. Pidgins can be created from two spoken languages as well and frequently are when people who speak different languages conduct the business of every day life.

Is fingerspelling a language?
No. Fingerspelling is a component of Auslan and other native sign languages. Fingerspelling alone is not a language but is used when there is no sign equivalent when expressing an English term, when the sign is unknown or for a proper noun or name (place or person). In the past fingerspelling was used much more as a staple method of manual communication. It was often used by Deaf people when communicating with hearing people or in formal settings as Auslan was not always valued as highly as English for contact with the hearing community. Auslan has now taken a more prominent place as a language in its own right.

Is Makaton a sign language?
No. Makaton is a communication system that incorporates borrowed Auslan signs, often used with people with disabilities. It is an augmentative communication system; it is not a language in itself. Makaton uses a variety of methods to maximise communication for people who have language or speech disabilities; it is often used in intellectual or developmental disability areas.

Signs may be borrowed from Auslan or may be specifically made for Makaton and used in conjunction with spoken English, pictures, photos or any other communication tool. Most often the signs are used to support (make clear) key words or sign supported speech. It is a communication system that is clear, visible and direct and intended to convey a primary message.

To find out more about Makaton, click here.

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