Auslan (Australian Sign Language) is a beautiful language. It is the sign language used in Australia and is related to British Sign Language (BSL) and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). These three signed languages descended from the same parent language and are part of the BANZSL language family.
Australian Sign Language has also been influenced by Irish Sign Language (ISL) and American Sign Language (ASL).
Even though the United States and Australia both speak English predominantly, Australian Sign Language and American Sign Language (ASL) are very different. Australian Sign Language, like British Sign Language and New Zealand Sign Language, uses a two-handed alphabet while ASL uses a one-handed alphabet.
Australian Sign Language also has two dominant dialects: Northern and Southern. These dialects are very different from each other. They have different signs for things like colors, days of the week, and animals. However, there are no major differences in grammar.
The Auslan Alphabet
by pauahb
If you are interested in learning some Australian Sign Language, we recommend these free resources:
Even though you’re having fun with Australian Sign Language, don’t forget to learn ASL too!
5 Responses
TRYING TO LEARN BASIC SIGN LANGUAGE.
Me again! 🙂 Just did a quick look and that is the sign you want. The old one was based on Australian soldiers’ hats. Handspeak has videos of both – https://www.handspeak.com/word/search/index.php?id=133
And I meant to write “Hope this helps”, not “how this helps”. Oops!
please show me new sign for australia?
Hi Gemma
You can see the sign for “Australia” at https://www.auslan.org.au/dictionary/words/Australia-1.html . This is the sign in Australian Sign Language (Auslan). I know only a little ASL so I don’t know if ASL has is own sign for “Australia” but generally Deaf people use the sign the native Deaf people use in their country. How this helps.
Yes I think this is a good website for sign language