Fun Auslan Teacher (Fluent Deaf Auslan signer with university and TAFE/college teaching experiences)

Find out more about Shawn

• 1) Did you grow up speaking this language? Or were you inspired by a trip abroad, an individual or a certain aspect of the culture?

  I grew up using Australian Signed English while attending school in New South Wales. After moving to Queensland, I learnt Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and gradually switched to using it as my primary language. Learning Auslan helped me connect more deeply with the Australian Deaf community, Deaf culture, and natural visual communication. Today, I use Auslan, Signed English, Pidgin Signed English and Tactile Auslan/Deafblind Auslan at work to support Deaf, Deafblind, Deaf Disabled/Deaf+, Hard of Hearing and non-verbal people plus NDIS Participants with different disabilities. However, Auslan is my preferred language for everyday communication, teaching, and advocacy.

• 2) Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  I admire Helen Keller, who was Deafblind. Helen became one of the world's most influential disability advocates. Her determination, resilience, and commitment to education and equal opportunities continue to inspire Deaf, Deafblind, and disabled people around the world. Her life reminds me that communication, access, and inclusion can empower people to achieve great things.

• 3) Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or expression in the language that you particularly like?

  One expression I value is "Deaf Gain." Rather than focusing on hearing loss, Deaf Gain celebrates the strengths, perspectives, visual communication, and cultural richness that Deaf people contribute to society. I also enjoy the tradition of sharing stories visually through Auslan, where facial expressions, body language, and movement create powerful and engaging communication.

• 4) Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Auslan is more than a signed language to me—it is my Deaf identity, my Deaf Culture, my community and my connection with others. It allows me to communicate naturally, express my thoughts clearly, and participate fully in education, employment, and everyday life. As the founder of Auslanism, I also use Auslan to teach, advocate, and build understanding between Deaf and hearing communities.

• 5) What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  One of the biggest challenges is understanding that Auslan is its own language. It is not English on the hands or a word-for-word translation of spoken or written English. Auslan has its own grammar, sentence structure, facial expressions, and visual ways of expressing meaning. To become fluent, learners should practise regularly with Deaf people, attend Deaf community events, watch fluent Auslan signers, and use the language in everyday conversations. Learning about Deaf culture is also an important part of becoming a confident Auslan user.

• 6) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  When I first began learning Auslan in the Deaf Community as a young child, I realised I could finally communicate without constantly struggling to understand spoken language. One day, I successfully held an entire conversation with signing Deaf adults using only Auslan. It was the first time I truly felt understood without barriers. That experience inspired me to become an Auslan educator so I could help others experience the same confidence and connection.

• 7) How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Travelling around Australia to deliver Auslan workshops and attend Deaf community events—such as Deaf festivals, Deaf and Deafblind conferences, Deaf camps, Deaf Sports Days, and the Australian Deaf Games—has expanded my understanding of local and regional signs, state dialects, the northern and southern dialect hubs, different signing styles, and the diversity within the Australian Deaf community.
  
  I have also met Deaf people from many countries and learnt signs from a variety of national sign languages, including Malaysian Sign Language, Singapore Sign Language, American Sign Language, British Sign Language, and New Zealand Sign Language. These experiences have strengthened my appreciation that every sign language is unique while sharing common values of visual communication, accessibility, and community.
  
  There is no universal sign language. More than 300 national sign languages are used around the world, each with its own vocabulary, grammar, culture, and history.