Learn the basics of Auslan in a friendly and relaxed class. You'll learn everyday signs, simple conversations, Deaf culture and tips to communicate with confidence.This class will be 'voice off' communicating with Auslan, body language, facial expressions and writing when required.
Introduction to Auslan
Course Description
Discover the rewarding world of Australian Sign Language (Auslan) in this friendly and supportive beginner course.
Whether you'd like to communicate with a Deaf family member, friend, colleague or customer, or you're simply interested in learning a new language, this course provides the perfect introduction.
No previous experience is required, and everyone is encouraged to learn at their own pace in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Through interactive activities, games and guided conversation practice, you'll learn everyday signs, fingerspelling, greetings, introductions and simple conversations that you can use in real-life situations.
Along the way, you'll develop an understanding of Deaf culture, communication etiquette and the importance of facial expressions and non-manual features in Auslan.
By the end of the course, you'll have the confidence to introduce yourself, communicate using basic Auslan and continue your learning journey with a strong foundation.
Course Structure
This practical, hands-on course combines tutor demonstrations with interactive activities, pair work, group exercises and conversation practice to help you build confidence using Auslan.
You will begin by learning about Deaf culture and the foundations of Auslan before progressing through the alphabet, fingerspelling, greetings, introductions and everyday vocabulary.
As your skills develop, you will practise asking and answering simple questions, signing about family, numbers, colours and time, and participating in short everyday conversations.
Throughout the course, you will receive regular opportunities to practise your signing skills in a supportive and encouraging environment, with constructive feedback from your tutor.
Please bring a notebook and pen, laptop, tablet or iPad for class activities.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Introduce themselves using basic Auslan
- Use the Auslan alphabet for fingerspelling
- Recognise and use common everyday signs
- Participate in simple everyday conversations
- Ask and answer basic questions in Auslan
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic Deaf culture and communication etiquette
- Communicate with greater confidence and respect when interacting with Deaf people.
Student Testimonials
“Our teacher, Affy, is incredible. I also really like that the classes are voice-off, it made me more confident in practicing my signing because we were all in the same boat. I like being paired up/put in groups to practice together and I think the way Affy teaches is really immersive and engaging.”
“I had Affy as a tutor and she was amazing! Very approachable and clear about signs and their distinction.”
“Affy is a fantastic teacher! She is so generous with her knowledge, as well as gracious and patient with us. She is always willing to go over things and answer questions. I found her such a pleasure to be in class with. I hope she teaches me in my next course!”
Affy Ahmed
.png)
Affy Ahmed has been teaching at WEA since 2026.
Affy is a passionate Auslan educator and Deaf advocate who is dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for everyone. As a Deaf person, Affy brings valuable lived experience to every class, helping students not only learn Auslan but also develop a deeper understanding of Deaf culture and the experiences of the Deaf community.
With experience teaching Auslan to children, teenagers and adults, Affy enjoys helping students build confidence in their signing skills through relaxed, interactive and supportive classes. Whether you're learning Auslan for personal interest, work or to communicate with Deaf family members or friends, Affy encourages questions, celebrates progress and helps every student learn at their own pace.
|