23 Sept 2024
Monday 23rd September is International Day of Sign languages. In Australia, Auslan is the primary language used amongst the deaf community. Auslan is communicated with voices off and has its own unique vocabulary and grammar.
Just like other languages, there are different dialects for Auslan sign users and differences in signs exist between different states.
In early childhood, you may also hear about Key Word Sign. This uses single Auslan signs along with verbal speech to support the spoken language development of children.
If you would like to learn some signs you can visit the below website, just have a look at the map to see which state each sign is used in and pick the state you live in or the national (whole of Australia) sign when you are learning.
Below are some basic key word signs that you could practice at home with your children. Remember that when learning Key Word Sign, we pair signing with spoken language (for example, saying “more” when doing the hand movement for ‘more’).
Teaching your child sign language can help not only their language skills but help improve inclusiveness for those that are hard of hearing or deaf.
Meet the author
I graduated from a Masters of Speech Pathology and have been working in the field of speech pathology for over 7 years. I am passionate about working with children and families and am excited to get to share my passion and knowledge throughout the centres.
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