Auslan
Auslan is a sign language that was developed over a long time. Its formation is full of rich history, however, that makes it hard to pinpoint its start date. Yet, every year on April 13th, we celebrate Auslan Day, a day dedicated to honouring the rich history, culture, and language of the Australian Deaf community. But if this date isn’t related to the origin, what is it exactly?
Auslan Day actually marks the publication of the first Australian Sign Language (Auslan) dictionary, a milestone in the recognition and preservation of a language that embodies the identity and heritage of many Australians.
The Origin of Auslan Day
The story of Auslan Day begins with Professor Trevor Johnston, a prominent figure in the field of linguistics and a native Auslan user. Coming from a large Deaf family and being a child of a deaf adult (CODA), Professor Johnston was deeply embedded in the Deaf community from a young age. His profound connection to this community fueled his academic pursuits, leading him to research the linguistics of Australian Sign Language extensively.
In 1989, after years of dedicated study, Professor Johnston published the first dictionary of Auslan on April 13th. This wasn’t just any dictionary; it was the world’s first signed language dictionary to organise signs using language internal principles, such as handshape, consistently throughout. This pioneering work, continuously expanded and updated over the years, laid the groundwork for Auslan’s recognition as a community language by the Australian government.
Why we celebrate Auslan Day
While the release of the dictionary was a pivotal milestone, Auslan Day is not just about commemorating this; it’s a comprehensive celebration of the Deaf community and the opportunities that Auslan fosters. This occasion serves as a tribute to the cultural and linguistic richness embedded in the Deaf community. It’s a day dedicated to recognising the unique contributions and the vibrant culture that the Deaf community shares with the wider population.
Communities thrive when they have a chance to celebrate themselves, their accomplishments and reflect on their progress. Auslan Day plays a crucial role in reflecting and raising awareness about Auslan as a vital means of communication and an expression of cultural identity. By celebrating Auslan Day, the importance of linguistic diversity and the need to support and preserve Auslan as part of Australia’s cultural heritage is acknowledged It’s also an opportunity to educate the public about the significance of sign language in the lives of many individuals and to advocate for the rights and recognition of the Deaf community.
Ultimately, Auslan Day fosters inclusivity and appreciation across all sectors of society. It encourages solidarity and understanding towards the Deaf community, promoting the values of equality and respect. Through various events and activities, this day helps to spread knowledge about Deaf culture and sign language, bridging gaps between the hearing and Deaf communities. It’s a day for all Australians to celebrate together, embracing the diversity that strengthens and enriches the nation.
What happens on Auslan Day?
Auslan Day is a celebration for all! Whether you are a member of the Deaf community or not, there are many ways to participate in and honour this special day:
- Learn some Auslan signs: Familiarise yourself with the basics of Auslan to communicate more inclusively. Check out our Auslan Resources for learning materials! A great place to begin is revisiting the Feels Campaign, with instruction videos that teach you how to sign “Hello, my name is..” and much more.
- While this one’s only relevant to our Bendigo community, this Auslan Day, come and join us for our Regional Family Fun Day! With scenic views, lush greenery, and plenty of activities with DCA, Lake Weeroona is the ultimate place for quality family time and to celebrate Auslan Day.
- Engage with Deaf creators: Support Deaf content creators by watching their videos on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, or by following Deaf accounts on Twitter.
- Get your very own Auslan resources: Check out our range of fun and educational Auslan learning tools at Deaf Children Australia Shop. You’ll find books, activities, and other resources to help you learn more about and support this vibrant language.
- Enjoy Auslan storybooks: Online platforms offer a variety of storybooks in Auslan, providing a wonderful way to see the language in action while enjoying beautiful storytelling.
Auslan Day is a vital occasion that highlights the importance of sign languages and the Deaf community in Australia.
Let us know on our Facebook post what you’re doing on April 13th to celebrate Auslan and everything it represents in our community!
