What is Auslan

Contrary to popular belief, AUSLAN (Australian Sign Language) is not signed in English order. Rather, it is a visual language that is uniquely Australian which consists of its own linguistic properties. Similarly with spoken languages across the world, sign languages also differ.

Since 1984, AUSLAN is now recognised as a language in its own right! As well as the 2 handed alphabet, AUSLAN owns thousands of signs, gestures, expressions and body language, that all blend together to establish communication.

As with spoken languages, tone of voice and volumes can be altered to emphasise meaning. This too is performed visually using AUSLAN!

Auslan Interpreters

A qualified sign language interpreter is a highly skilled professional. An Interpreter's role is to facilitate communication between people that use a spoken language, and Deaf people that use a signed language. An interpreter must be able to listen to the spoken language, inflections and intent and simultaneously render them into the visual language of Auslan using the mode of communication preferred by the Deaf consumer.

The interpreter must also be able to comprehend the signs, inflections and intent of the Deaf consumer and simultaneously verbalise in articulate, appropriate English. The interpreter not only makes a spoken language situation accessible to Deaf individuals, but also for people who do not fluently sign to communicate effectively with Deaf people. An Interpreter is there for all the people involved in the communication setting.

In addition to this, all interpreters are required to present and conduct themselves professionally. Auslan Services often promotes to interpreters to strive to be ‘The Complete Package”. For more details, please refer to the below link for a copy of The Complete Package.

Complete Package