Learn Auslan
Free guides for learning Australian Sign Language
Auslan (Australian Sign Language) is the language of the Australian Deaf community, a rich, visual language with its own grammar and vocabulary. These free guides cover the foundations every beginner needs: the fingerspelling alphabet, your first signs, and how Auslan relates to other sign languages.
Fingerspelling
The Auslan Alphabet: A Beginner's Guide to Fingerspelling
Learn the Auslan fingerspelling alphabet, including how the two-handed alphabet works, when fingerspelling is used, and tips for practising it.
Read the guide →First signs
Basic Auslan Signs Every Beginner Should Learn First
The most useful first signs in Australian Sign Language, including greetings, courtesy phrases, everyday words, and how to learn them properly.
Read the guide →Auslan explained
Auslan vs ASL: What's the Difference?
Auslan and American Sign Language are completely different languages. Learn how they differ, why it matters, and which one to learn in Australia.
Read the guide →Auslan explained
The History of Auslan: Where Australian Sign Language Came From
How Auslan developed from British, Irish and Scottish sign languages, its journey to official recognition, and why its history shapes the language today.
Read the guide →Auslan explained
Auslan Regional Dialects: Why Signs Differ Across Australia
Auslan has regional variations between Australian states, much like spoken accents. Learn where the northern and southern dialects came from and why it matters for learners.
Read the guide →How signing works
Facial Expressions in Auslan: Why Signing Is More Than Your Hands
In Auslan, the face, eyebrows, mouth and eye gaze carry grammar and meaning. Learn what non-manual features do and why they are essential to clear signing.
Read the guide →First signs
Common Auslan Mistakes Beginners Make (and How to Fix Them)
The most common mistakes new Auslan learners make, from signing too small to forgetting facial expressions, plus simple tips to build confidence fast.
Read the guide →Auslan explained
Auslan Myths: What People Get Wrong About Sign Language
Sign language is not universal and Auslan is not just English on the hands. We bust the most common myths about Australian Sign Language.
Read the guide →Culture
Auslan Day: What It Is and Why It Matters
Auslan Day celebrates Australian Sign Language and the Deaf community. Learn what the day marks, its connection to the first Auslan dictionary, and how to take part.
Read the guide →Learning plan
How Long Does It Take to Learn Auslan?
Learn how long it takes to start signing in Auslan, what affects your progress, and how beginners can build confidence with short, regular practice.
Read the guide →Auslan explained
Auslan vs BSL: How Similar Are They Really?
Auslan descends from British Sign Language and the two remain closely related. Learn what they share, where they differ, and what it means for learners.
Read the guide →Learning tools
Auslan Courses and Classes in Australia: Your Options Compared
From accredited TAFE certificates to community classes, online courses, and apps, here is an honest guide to the ways you can learn Auslan in Australia.
Read the guide →Learning plan
Is Auslan Hard to Learn? An Honest Look for Beginners
What makes Auslan easier than you might expect, what genuinely takes practice, and how beginners can set themselves up to succeed.
Read the guide →Families
Learning Auslan as a Family: A Guide for Parents and Relatives
Why learning Auslan alongside a deaf family member matters, where families can find courses and support in Australia, and how to build signing into daily life.
Read the guide →Learning tools
Best Auslan App: How to Choose a Sign Language App in Australia
Learn what to look for in an Auslan app, why Australian learners need Auslan-specific video practice, and how Auslearn helps beginners build confidence.
Read the guide →Ready to see these signs in action?
Auslearn teaches Auslan with video lessons from native signers, gamified practice, and a searchable sign dictionary. It is free on iOS and Android.