The Use of Australian Sign Language by Deaf People

Abstract

Australian Sign Language (Auslan) is a descendant of British Sign Language and is recognized in national and state language policy statements as a community language. Estimates have varied regarding the number of deaf people who use Auslan, as have views of what the features of this use may be. These data are essential for efficient planning and distribution of interpreting, educational, vocational and other services for deaf people. The present study used a range of demographic techniques to identify the number of deaf Auslan users and to examine the settings in which sign language was used. Over 15,000 deaf users of signs were identified, with the majority using the language every day in interactions with deaf and hearing people. There was evidence of strong social and linguistic cohesion in the deaf community but no evidence that signing deaf people live in a “ghetto” where they do not communicate with hearing people. There was, however, evidence of high levels of unemployment and underemployment among deaf respondents to the study. The implications of the findings are discussed.

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