22 free guides

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.

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Beginner's plan

How to Learn Auslan: A Step-by-Step Plan for Beginners

A practical plan for learning Auslan in Australia: start a class with a Deaf teacher, learn fingerspelling and first signs, practise a little every day, and spend time with the Deaf community.

Read the plan

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.

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.

All guides

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.

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.

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.

Auslan explained

The History of Auslan: Where Australian Sign Language Came From

How Auslan developed from British and Irish signing traditions, its journey to official recognition, and why its history shapes the language today.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Learning tools

How to Choose an Auslan Learning App in Australia

Learn what to look for in an Auslan app, why Australian learners need Auslan-specific video practice, and where an app fits alongside classes taught by Deaf teachers.

Families

Teaching Your Baby Auslan Signs: A Beginner's Guide for Parents

Hearing babies can often sign simple needs before they can speak. Learn what baby signing is, why real Auslan signs are worth using, and which signs to try first.

Learning tools

Why Duolingo Doesn't Offer Auslan or Sign Language

Duolingo has no Auslan course, and no course in any sign language. Here is why a visual-spatial language does not fit the format, and what to learn Auslan with instead.

Fingerspelling

How to Fingerspell Your Name in Auslan

Fingerspelling your name is how you introduce yourself in Auslan. Watch all 26 letters of the two-handed alphabet, and learn how sign names differ from spelling.

Learning plan

How to Practise Auslan Between Classes (and Actually Retain It)

Auslan is a visual language, so signs fade without regular use. How to practise between classes, what to focus on, and where an app genuinely helps.

Auslan explained

Auslan vs Sign English: What's the Difference?

Sign English is not Auslan. Learn what Australian Sign English was, why it was created for deaf education, and what the difference means for learners today.

Learning plan

How to Learn Auslan: A Step-by-Step Plan for Beginners

A practical plan for learning Auslan in Australia: start a class with a Deaf teacher, learn fingerspelling and first signs, practise a little every day, and spend time with the Deaf community.

Learning tools

Free Auslan Resources: How to Start Learning Auslan for Free

The free ways to start learning Auslan online, from the Auslan Signbank dictionary to free beginner videos and app free tiers, and what free resources cannot do for you.

Choosing between Auslan apps?Compare the best Auslan apps available in Australia, feature by feature.Compare apps

Ready to see these signs in action?

Auslearn teaches Auslan with video lessons from Deaf signers, gamified practice, and a searchable sign dictionary with 250+ signs. It is free to download, with 3 free beginner units and optional Pro access.

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