Sign Squad: Auslan for beginners

Next date: Thursday, 27 November 2025 | 06:00 PM to 07:00 PM

Ever wanted to learn Auslan - Australian sign language? If you're aged 12 and over then this is for you.

No previous experience is necessary!

Sessions are free and will be run by a qualified Deaf instructor in collaboration with The Deaf Butterfly Effect.

Location: West Torrens Library Sun Room, 1 Brooker Terrace, Hilton.

Time: 6pm - 7pm on the last Thursday of every month (Except December).

FAQ

Do I need to book in to attend? 

No, there's no need to book in - just turn up at 6pm on the last Thursday of the month!

Do I need to have gone to the previous sessions?

Each session is designed to run as a stand-alone lesson, so you don't need to have gone to any others before! Each session starts with learning the alphabet and some basic phrases, and then moves on to specific vocabulary. If there are any specific words or phrases you'd like to learn, feel free to ask on the night!

Is it Auslan or AUSLAN?

The word "Auslan" is a combination of the words "Australian Sign Language", but just like you wouldn't write FRENCH or GERMAN, you don't need to write AUSLAN! People get confused because there is also ASL, which stands for American Sign Language, but because Auslan is its own word rather than an acronym it doesn't need to be in all-caps!

Why isn't there just one sign language?

Just like there isn't one spoken language, there are over 300 sign languages in the world! Each one has its own history, culture, and connections to local people, so asking everyone to "just pick one" would get pretty tricky! 

What's the difference between Auslan, ASL, and BSL?

Auslan has evolved from British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL), which is why our two-handed alphabets look quite similar and we have a lot of signs that are the same! American Sign Language (ASL) is based on French Sign Language (LSF), which is why they both use a one-handed alphabet and have a lot of different signs. 

What's the difference between baby sign language or key word sign and Auslan?

Baby sign language and key sign are just using individual signs to mean specific things. A lot of these signs are based on Auslan, but they don't include any of the grammar or semantics that make Auslan a full language! Also, be very careful when looking up signs online to make sure that you're using Auslan signs and not ASL or something else!

What are some good resources to start learning Auslan?

The best way to learn Auslan is from a Deaf person who uses sign language! There are a lot of places in Adelaide that offer short courses or full certificates in Auslan, such as Deaf Connect, Tafe SA, and Sign Language Australia. You can Google "learn Auslan in Adelaide to find places (like the West Torrens Library!) to meet up. 

Online resources such as https://auslan.org.au/ and https://find.auslan.fyi/ are good for finding individual signs, but be aware that there are different dialects so the best way to know that you're using the right signs for where you live is to get involved with your local Deaf community! 

For more information, contact us at library@wtcc.sa.gov.au or by phone on 8416 6228.

When

Location

West Torrens Library, 1 Brooker Tce, Hilton, 5033, View Map