Tips For Learning ASL in Australia

Question

Yes, I know, we have our own sing language called Auslan. However, there's too few resources online for me to comfortably learn it. I've already tried and looked at all the good online resources, but there isn't nearly as much for Auslan. The only way to "properly" learn Auslan in Australia - as a hearing person - is to attend a course which costs lots of money and requires me to attend a class every week. But there's so many more resources for learning ASL and I'm especially liking Bill Vicar's videos. Plus there's a TV show I watch where one of the characters uses ASL and one of my friends decided to start learning ASL with me. With the combination of heaps of good resources and a friend who wants to learn with me, I'm sure I'll be fine. I'm just looking for some tips if any of you are from Australia. Are there any practice groups around? Or do I have to resort to watching ASL videos on YouTube and finding someone on skype. I do intend on learning Auslan eventually when I have the time and money to attend a course, I'm just learning ASL first because it's easier. I understand that they're two very different languages, but I figure that learning ASL will at least make learning Auslan easier when I do decide to.

Answer 1

I find that wherever you have an organized Sign Language (like Auslan or ASL), there are also groups of Deaf people. When there are groups of Deaf people, there are Deaf clubs. Try looking up Deaf clubs or Deaf socials for your nearest decent sized city and see what you find. Facebook is often a good place to find these.