Sign Language Course: Introduction to Auslan 1

Start communicating in Auslan and discover a rich visual language with our Auslan Short Courses in Sydney and online!

Curious about Auslan (Australian Sign Language)? This beginner-friendly course offers a practical and engaging introduction to the language and culture of the Australian Deaf community — no prior experience required.

Taught by Deaf tutors, you'll begin using Auslan from your very first classes. Through visual, interactive learning, you'll develop practical signing skills, learn to fingerspell, ask and answer simple questions, and communicate basic information without relying on spoken language.

As you learn, you'll explore how facial expression, body movement, and visual attention form an important part of Auslan communication. You'll also gain insight into Deaf culture, identity, and respectful ways of communicating with Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

Whether you're learning for personal interest, work, or to connect more meaningfully with Deaf people in your community, this course will give you a strong foundation and the confidence to continue developing your Auslan communication skills.

Learning outcomes

What will be covered in this Sign Language: Introduction to Auslan course?

During the course, participants will be guided through key concepts, techniques and approaches that typically include:

Language and communication skills

• Introduction to Auslan as a visual language
• Fingerspelling and introductory vocabulary
• Greetings, introductions, and exchanging basic information
• Asking and responding to simple questions
• Building simple signed conversations
• Using facial expression and body movement as part of communication

Visual communication

• Developing visual attention and awareness
• Using gesture and visual communication strategies
• Understanding the importance of eye contact and positioning
• Practising receptive skills and understanding signed communication

Deaf culture and community

• Introduction to the Australian Deaf community
• Deaf culture, identity, and communication
• Respectful approaches to communicating with Deaf and hard-of-hearing people

Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.

Intended audience

Who is this this Sign Language: Introduction to Auslan course, for?

This course is suitable for:

• Complete beginners with no prior Auslan experience
• People who want to communicate more effectively with Deaf and hard-of-hearing people
• Learners interested in Auslan, Deaf culture, and the Australian Deaf community
• People learning Auslan for personal, community, or professional reasons
• Anyone interested in developing practical visual communication skills

No prior Auslan or sign language experience is required.

Course venue

This course is offered both online and face-to-face. Please check your selected class location when enrolling.

Face-to-face classes:
Rozelle Campus
2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW

Online classes:
Delivered via Zoom, with weekly live sessions led by a Deaf tutor, supported by video resources for practice between classes. A laptop or desktop computer is recommended for the best learning experience.

Certificate of completion

Attendance recognition

Students who meet the attendance requirements will receive a Certificate of Attendance from Sydney Community College.

This certificate recognises your participation and commitment to learning Auslan and can support your personal or professional development.

What's next?

Auslan courses at Sydney Community College

After completing this course, you can continue your learning with our Sign Language: Auslan Level 2 course, where you’ll expand your vocabulary, develop more complex communication skills, and build greater confidence using Auslan in real-life situations.