Australian Sign Language: Introducing Yourself

Hey guys, here's a quick lesson on introducing yourself to a Deaf person in AUSLAN (Australian Sign language). If you have any topic requests please leave them in the comments below.

[@finna4903]

It'd be great to learn how to actually say "I am new/learning to auslan/sign language"

[@wendycarriage9731]

Kieren F i was about to try and comment how to say it 😂😂😂 then I realised I can’t lol but you could look up AUSLAN Dictionary and type it there?

[@Fluffadoodle]

Kieren F I use a website called Auslan Signbank. It's pretty reliable. Also, I'd say "I study Auslan"

[@patrickswayze2596]

The Dancing Dragon thanks heaps for that info, my best mates daughter is about 15 months old now and very deaf, so Auslan has always been something I’ve wanted to do, but now I have the motivation to learn, and videos like this (even though I had to watch it three times haha) and your comment is really helping me to learn and work out the basics with the long term goal to study and potentially help with translation as we have a seriously out of ratio to deaf people (is that ok to say? I’m still learning) to the lack of translators here in Aus, which doesn’t meet the standards for basic human rights and needs for simple things deaf citizens need on a daily basis... Once again, your comment is greatly appreciated 🙏🏼

[@emily-cz9zm]

point to yourself, palm like a flat bowl 2 fingers looking like there pinching and then spin 2 fingers

[@kristoferalexander7559]

@@emily-cz9zm I'm sorry that made no sense to me lol. It probably needs to be visual.

[@emmacapes9431]

Timestamps: 0:21 -> 0:26 | Hello! 0:26 -> 1:10 | My name is ... 1:10 -> 1:42 | Explanation on Sign Names 2:04 -> 2:53 | What's your name? 2:53 -> 3:09 | How are you? 3:09 -> 3:28 | Responses to "How are you?" 3:28 -> 3:50 | Manners (Please and Thankyou) 3:50 -> 4:42 | Nice to meet you 4:42 -> 5:03 | You, your, me, my, I 5:08 -> 5:13 | Goodbye

[@hayyyy1527]

Thanks for this!

[@Pikazo_Kureigu]

Very useful :D

[@poppyawela]

thxxx

[@orangesedits1149]

ty

[@LfeAsIts]

thanks so much!

[@lilis1319]

My new neighbour is deaf n such a lovely lady. We catch the bus sometimes together. I decided to learn some basic sign language so we don't have to write everything down to communicate. Thanks ks Abby for the video xxx

[@honeybun3189]

How is it going

[@killabeez2437]

That's so wholesome!!!

[@patrickswayze2596]

Really lovely to hear Lisa, nice to read such a positive comment in a comments section 🙏🏼

[@jaskerstein8583]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm 14 and I'm trying to learn Sign language, it's difficult with all my classes at school, homework, piano lessons, chores and so on. So I can't afford nor have the time to try and find a teacher to teach me. Being able to try and learn at home through the internet is something I hope I can persevere with. I really appreciate videos like this!

[@emmacapes9431]

Hi, Lukeii I know you commented this a while ago but I just wanted to send my best wishes for your learning of Auslan. Happy learning!

[@stanloona4431]

You should definitely do mpre of these! This was really helpful

[@kryptonite_dragon198]

Oh hi I didn't think I'd find you lol

[@stanloona4431]

@@kryptonite_dragon198 Omg lol hii

[@patrickswayze2596]

Funny how the world works at times you two hahaha 🙏🏼

[@phoebebroad1545]

This is very, very helpful. I have an auditory processing disorder and I’m learning sign language because hearing is overwhelming for me and makes me fall asleep/causes me great pain. The only issue I have is that captions would have made this easier for me to watch. Auto-generated captions are not accurate. On the whole, I’m very pleased with this

[@colhannanjr]

I was really deeply touched when I learnt that you can only be given a sign name by a deaf person!!.. it was beautiful.. (*Weird trivia) a week ago I had a weird dream.. my grandmother came to me & told me to learn AUSLAN.. quite literally!! I am now enrolled at TAFE to do cert 2 in Auslan in Feb 2021 I'm loving Abbie's vids (& others) & I have learnt so much.. I really love it!! can't wait to meet some deaf people in Perth & hopefully become friends.. practice my AUSLAN & maybe one day even be worthy of a friendship where I'm given my own sign name..!??

[@kittyself]

as someone who is fluent in asl, it's so interesting to see how different our signs are!

[@helllllloworld]

i didn’t think their alphabet was different omg theirs seems so difficult

[@NorthshireGaming]

I can sign a bit of ASL, and this is like a foreign language, even the alphabet was wildly different.

[@madeline569]

It's more annoying and segregating than interesting imo. In auslan "nice to meet you" looks something like "H- B- you" in ASL. We desperately need a consistent universal sign language for English speakers from America Canada Australia Britain Ireland Scotland etc. I understand that every local deaf community has their own specifics of language and that's great but we can't have THAT big of a difference in basics like the English alphabet... Its pointless. Don't deaf people in one English speaking country want to be able to converse with a deaf person from any other English speaking country?

[@kittyself]

@@madeline569 i mean..,. it wouldn't make sense to have a universal sign language. its not like we have a universal speaking language lol the reason it's different is because every country has their own slang and syntax

[@madeline569]

@@kittyself I literally just said that....

[@janea788]

I’m losing my hearing, so my husband and I are going to learn sign so I can still communicate. This was a great intro, thank you.

[@clarenicholson1328]

So great - thanks Abby. I've always thought kids would be better off learning Auslan in school rather than a foreign language. I'm going to make it my mission to give it my best shot! :)

[@MsVrael]

Hey Clare, is this a goal you're still interested in? Also, at which city are you based?

[@thambec]

Your wish has now been granted. Auslan is now a subject

[@macedonian4life536]

@@thambec 🤝🤝

[@BUTTERVISION]

Totally should. I've always imagined how cut off people must feel being deaf, largely because not many people know sign language

[@clarenicholson1328]

@@vionatowers4220 Just as important if your child happens to study the one language that will be useful to them later on. Auslan could be the one universal language.

[@moniquemorgan358]

I'm a disability support worker. Your video is the first I've seen that explains the difference between 'me', 'my' etc. Thank you!!

[@itsme-qi7jq]

Keep doing more videos. Very interesting. Do alphabet and more sign scentances. Great job

[@smallsneakers7000]

Please don't give up making these videos! I've accidentally been learning BSL throughout lockdown thinking it's the same but it's not! I'd love to properly learning Auslan and this video was so helpful and you have a great presence on camera and are clear with explanations.

[@ChargedGames]

Honestly sign language looked so complex but you explained it so well ❤️

[@kayka26]

Definitely do more if you can. It was easy to follow along. I trying to learn Auslan myself. It's nice find easy instruction videos.

[@patrickswayze2596]

Hi Abbey You’re the type of person who can really help those to learn the basics and necessities of Auslan to those who otherwise don’t have the means... If you can afford the time, I’d love for you to potentially post more videos, you make it very easy to follow where as others aren’t so much... Greatly appreciated this video, it has helped me dearly to start my journey into the world of Auslan 🙏🏼🖤☺️

[@catherinelewis5655]

Please do a lot more! I’m not deaf and I don’t know anyone who is deaf but I want to be someone who can be there and know sign language for those who are deaf and need help so thank you for this video and I’m looking forward to more in the future.

[@bronwynnwatkins2074]

Just came across your channel and my 6 year old absolutely loved that she could follow along. My partner was born hard of hearing and sometimes communication between him and my 6 year old is difficult in the mornings before he puts his hearing aids in or when he’s having hearing breaks. We both look forward to watching more of your videos and being able to use them in our household to make things a lot easier for my partner.

[@amaramumme6352]

Wow! Thanks so much for this video! I remembered it surprisingly well. Thankyou for being a very clear teacher. Now all I need to learn is “I don’t know any more sign language sorry” just in case I start a conversation :)

[@maxineq5966]

That was very good. You are a natural teacher.

[@ayenanyieth5168]

This is super helpful! I've recently been serving a new customer at work who is deaf and it's made me determined to learn Ausland so I can communicate with him

[@emmacapes9431]

That's awesome. :) I'm sure he'll appreciate it. Happy learning! ~

[@johntoth1264]

Great video. You should do a whole series. Thank you

[@WAGhostbusters]

This video was amazing!!! please please please make more of these, in working customer service I have a number of deaf customers who are regulars and just knowing "please" and "thank you" can make their day.

[@hammdogporkington3058]

This is really great stuff! I'm just starting to learn, my new job involves a lot of working with kids and I ought to be able to deliver the same quality of work to deaf kids as hearing ones. Thank you for making these basic teaching videos :^)

[@jesslukyluk]

This was a great video! I remember subscribing years ago and watched your older videos :) I'm glad your back into making them. I'm a teacher so perhaps some useful teaching phrases would help such as 'do you understand?' 'do you need help?' 'are you okay?' or something like that? Anything that might be helpful. Super helpful video and I hope you keep uploading :)

[@KathyWalsh2]

Thank you so much Jessica! It's great to have your support and thanks for your suggestion! I'll put together some content and it will be my next video uploaded sometime next weekend :)

[@kerbifer]

Love your work! This is a great thing to learn whilst in isolation. I look forward to being able to connect better with the deaf community using my new Auslan skills :)

[@rodneyattenborough8444]

Hi Abbey, thanks for the training. I am training on Friday (Forklift). I am going to have a go at introducing myself to my deaf student. Thanks for the help. Wish me luck. RA

[@aestheticsedits4348]

Rodney Attenborough how did it go luv? x

[@Watchsomethingelse69]

Thank you for making these videos. Learning sign language is something I’ve wanted to for a while and these videos help! Would love to see more :)

[@frithfiver]

This is such a fun language! I've tried learning various foreign languages but I struggle enough with speaking in my native tongue. I wouldn't exactly say that I have a speech impediment, but speaking for me just doesn't flow well and I've often wished I could express everything through an interpretive dance. This is a very happy medium! Also, I'm very sensitive to noises, so the less sound the better! Thank you so much for sharing

[@lachlanmcgee6305]

It would be super cool if you could make a basics video? I mean this sort of is a basics video but something like general phrases that are commonly used, things like that?

[@chimmyeatingkookies8419]

I mean these are the most commonly used gestures you could have in sign language as its for introducing yourself to another person, but I get what you mean..

[@ashleypetersen5945]

There is a deaf customer that comes to the cafe I work at and I always feel bad I don’t know how to talk to him so thank you, I will use this the next time I see him! 😊

[@johnjames4981]

Thank you for your video's keep them coming. I have just subscribed. I am 56 years old and have only for the 1st time met my cousin's which are deaf after all these years. It was so good to meet them and now I really want to learn sign language. I don't have a good memory so will probably have to go through some of your video's slow to be able to learn things.

[@IrishAussiemen]

I’m learning fast! Thank you! God bless !!

[@jessikeough5899]

HI Abbey, Thank you so much for this great video. It is the first one of yours I have viewed so far but already 100% easier to understand and learn from you. Looking forward to learning more. :)

[@cheyenne5161]

Hi there, I am studying to go into healthcare work and would love a video on how to ask questions relating to pain and health in order to provide better care to patients if they are hearing impared.

[@MYCrayman7]

I have learnt something today. Thank you for spending the time to make a great video.😁😁😁

[@reefreaders]

Great video and clearly walked through the basics. Really helped me consolidate the basics to prepare for a early learning STEM workshop that a hearing impaired child will be present at. 👍

[@eggsbee]

Hi, this was super interesting! 😁 I'm curious, does it matter which hand you sign with? Thank you!

[@perrinturner2582]

You sign with your dominant hand. So if your right handed you would be pointing at fingers etc on your left hand, and vice-versa.

[@eggsbee]

Thanks! It's nice finally getting a reply to this :))

[@davidthai7144]

@@eggsbee don't worry, five months is nothing. I've written messages that do not get replied to in years!!! I feel your pain!

[@patrickswayze2596]

Perrin Turner thank you kindly, my major question and misunderstanding also ☺️

[@BxTekNurd]

Your "nice" is our "lovely" "Nice" is just 2 fingers.. ..?

[@flyingsigner]

Remembering though while this does follow English word order (signed English), Auslan does have its own grammar and words like ‘to’ etc don’t generally make an appearance.

[@MsVrael]

I am currently studying Auslan and the 'to' has never made an appearance. In fact, when we include English filler words as signs it's seen as incorrect. So it's interesting, at the very least to see this on KZbin...

[@emmacapes9431]

Would 'to' still be acceptable to use while communicating using Auslan with someone who is deaf? Or just confusing?

[@flyingsigner]

@@emmacapes9431 Emma it really depends on the user as everyone has different communication preferences. Auslan though in its true form, ‘to’ doesn’t exist. It’s very easy to fall into the trap of using these signs or English grammar (particularly as a student)....Auslan is a language rich in its own grammar & cultural idiosyncrasies. As an interpreter.. to, is, am etc is never used. Again though it depends on the Auslan user and their communication preference....signed English, Auslan, fingerspelling etc etc. If you’re not sure, ask otherwise assume Auslan & it’s associated language rules are the priority.

[@emmacapes9431]

@@flyingsigner Thankyou for your detailed and helpful response! I'll keep this in mind while learning.

[@michellebrown5943]

I'd love to see some more videos like this. Its great to know some basic sentences. Thank you

[@lilysomerset5501]

I’m learning this because it’s a very useful skill to have.

[@panayiotav7037]

Same

[@ljenk5]

That was very easy to follow, which was awesome thank you so much. My daughter is studying to be a paramedic this year, would you be able to make a video that covers the basics of someone being hurt? So are you in pain? Can you show me where it hurts? What happened? Are you allergic to anything? Are you scared of needles? Is someone hurting?That’s sort of thing, I think that would be extremely useful to her and I’d love to learn that as well, thanks!!! 😊

[@LDN_MZK]

Abby is actually 'too' detailed in the positioning of signs. It's like she is speaking the "Queen's English" of Sign. Great Vid! This is really helpful for new learners of Auslan! But be prepared, 'cause native Auslan is really fast. So signing letters and numbers is really essential!! Cheers Abby, Keep up the good work.

[@tattlious86]

Thank you!!! finally some Auslan free to learn. I learnt fingerspelling in church growing up but that was it and now I want to know more just cause I meet a lot of people in the community mainly when working and I want to communicate with them. every time I travel to new countries I learn the basics so why not learn Australia's 2nd language AUSLAN :) please do more videos I greatly appreciate it

[@kristen7948]

Thank you so much! Our Year 7 and 8 Learning Enhancement classes are learning these signs. We appreciate your help.

[@emmacapes9431]

That's really cool! I hope they're enjoying learning it. This video is a fantastic introduction for Auslan. :)

[@joshualittle111]

Both of your videos explained it so well. Please do more 😊

[@emradford5173]

This is so helpful - thank you Abbey!! I am wanting to learn Auslan to be able to communicate effectively for my job, and it’s a personal passion for me.

[@collinwiyoto]

Fantastic video and great explanation! Looking forward to learning more from you :)

[@Bababooey-f4d]

I am learning so much from you! Please upload more.😊

[@sharyhonner2993]

Please do more videos!!! I really want to learn sign language and this helped me a lot. I hope to be an interpreter one day x

[@cindygrowden112]

Well done.You spoke really well and your instructions were clear and concise.

[@Slowly_Sarah]

Please keep making these. They're great and very helpful!

[@Slowly_Sarah]

Also, this might be silly.. But could you teach us how to sign "I'm learning sign" or "sorry I'm still learning to sign".. something along those lines?

[@woodchup]

Great video- How do you say something like " slow down I am just learning" or something of that effect because I said Hi and they were surprised but then went on with a bunch of signs I had no idea very fast

[@emmacapes9431]

Hi, David. I believe the best signs to use would be: Sign 1: I/I Am= Point at self with index finger and move downwards. Sign 2: Learn/Learning = Make your hand into a salute symbol and raise to forehead, rotating in a circle once. Sign 3: Auslan (Australian Sign) = Move hands infront of you, fingers in a fist. Then, outstretch your fingers and then back to fist, doing this motion twice. This would tell the person you are talking to that you are still learning Auslan. They will then know to slow down with talking. :) (Note: I am just a beginner learner myself of Auslan - Please seek out visual examples for better quality of your signs! I recommend www.auslan.org.au/dictionary/ (Auslan Dictionary). Regardless, I hope this helps. Anyone who is more experienced feel free to correct me! :) )

[@patricenz]

Just brilliant - thank you. I'm just wanting to learn so that I can expand my world of communication skills. I do not yet know a person who is deaf, but I might and I'd like to be the best I can be.

[@youtuber9727]

I would love it if you could do more videos!

[@moxfulder4453]

i just decided to learn some basics in signing and your videos. have made it very easy. thank you

[@Spartikin]

Why did you stop making video, you are the only person who clearly shows how to sign properly, it only look me an hour to learn from you, and I have been trying to learn for the past month. Plz make more videos

[@dewberryh]

Love this Abbey - it was very helpful and I will keep coming back to it.

[@kristen2890]

This is so helpful! Thank you. Would love to see more content.

[@jackh-d2440]

Thank you so much, learning some basics because I occasionally see deaf people at the pizza place I work

[@cinnawhat8797]

Im learning ASL (american sign language) right now and I LOVE watching other videos on other country signed languages. So beautiful!

[@emmacapes9431]

That's great! ASL is such a beautiful language as well. :)

[@iamnotresponding]

I’ve had selective mutism before however it was resolved but it’s easy for me to get it back so thanks for this

[@tiahserene1748]

This is awesome thanks for the vid, I work in retail and have a regular customer who’s hearing impaired and I feel rude not being able to communicate that much with her. I’d like to give her a simple ‘hi how are you’

[@jessiemayflower3793]

This video is great, you explained the signs so well, I can't wait to surprise my friend

[@YokoshimaSTAR]

I'm learning this because I dream to fall in love with a deaf person I meet in public lol you're so clear and awesome and straight to the point, thanks heaps~

[@chelsey8737]

This is so cool. Im learning asl so i love seeing the differences between the languages

[@WarrenWright1961]

Excellent. Thanks for sharing your skill so pleasantly.

[@kayley4465]

i came here because im 15 and my goal for when im older is to become a special needs teacher for people with any disability whether its autism, adhd, anxiety, depression, down syndrome, being deaf or blind etc. but im really excited about hopefully creating my own buisness and knowing that anyone can turn to me when they need to! 😘🥺

[@kateyoung8690]

That is a wonderful goal to have Kayley!

[@viennaleaf3809]

Hi Abbey! I work in hospitality and I would love to learn how to understand signs for ordering, such as “I would like to order.. etc” and perhaps a few drinks such as “latte, flat white, hot chocolate, black coffee, orange juice..” it would really help!

[@DeathRacer-yl2hx]

Thank you for taking the time to make these vids. Means alot 👍

[@michellerensen9796]

Thank you so much as you sign so beautifully and slow enough to grasp the movements. Mwah❤

[@gt0915]

Hi Abbey (my daughter has the same name Abby!) Thank you for the video, I’ve recently had a stroke so my speech is pretty bad… learning to sign, so for me this is a huge step… thank you.

[@erynmckenna9410]

Please do more Auslan videos i'm trying to learn and your videos were really helpful!

[@manamouto2720]

Hi Abby, My 9 yo daughter and I loved this video. We decided to for fun, look up how to sign in Australia and spent the afternoon learning the signs. We particularly liked your videos because you repeat the signs a few times, giving us time to do them with you. We also like the way you speak as if you are in the same room. I’ve just seen your numbers one too but wondering if there are any more conversational ones? Especially for children to learn.

[@morganhogg7078]

Please do more of these if love to learn more

[@suzeh4212]

Thank you so much, very helpful, nice and easy to follow ❤

[@crazyclub374]

Hey, I already know sign language because my little sister is actually deaf but this is such an amazing video :) if I was just learning sign language it would be a lot easier cause I had to learn from a book but you explain it so well :)

[@MrsMeels]

I am learning so fast from this video thankyou so much ☺️☺️

[@epilepsywarriorsaustralia3968]

Thank you so helpful want to learn to communicate with one of my regular customers.

[@David-te8fn]

Thankyou Abby I've learnt a lot from you great video.

[@izaackershaw2742]

I grew up in a small country town with two def mates. One was an exceptional sportsman and the other a crazy swimmer. Growing up with them made our lives more open to others.. when we went away for football or school they didn't need to have an interpreter because we spent everyday with them and had to learn the hard way lol... But 20yrs later not one person that is at school now days dosnt even knows any signs.... It's sad I teach my daughter and neices n nefew's not because they have to but because they want to if you raise them right they will be right...

[@sionneholloway5025]

This is so helpful Abbey, thank you

[@thomasbrown9022]

Thankyou this helped me communicate with my friends two year old son.

[@carolpeace2289]

Love your videos thank you for making it easy for us to understand.

[@gregwah]

I would love to have an actual Auslan beginners course to help and interact with deaf people.

[@hannhabrown2006]

This was fantastic and super easy!!!!

[@Skyscore521]

Can you please make more videos. It was really helpful.

[@rosswotton5259]

Hi, I am starting to learn some sign, to assist in caring for deaf people as a nurse. It is often frustrating to us and the deaf person because they have difficulty telling us their needs. Could you do a video with some q/a for pain, body parts or areas, headache, general hygiene needs? And perhaps a way to ask the person to go slow, or at a pace suited to a learner..... The time i used a few signs the person was so excited, I couldn't follow enough.

[@dmdries1551]

Will you be making more videos? This was awesome!

[@andreaadrianwilliams8843]

You should do more basic things like this this has helped a lot

[@emmersenphillips41]

I am deaf and this was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO helpful, thank you ❤️❤️❤️

[@littlenori]

This is so helpful, really love your video. Please make more :D

[@danielson1989]

Thanks for sharing this is really good starters

[@jeffvarley9792]

Great video. Thankyou for making it for us.

[@jessicamylan8850]

I’m just starting to learn Auslan and this was really easy to understand! I want to learn because I work in a bra fitting retailer and would like to be able to communicate with our deaf and hearing impaired customers. This is tricky as some phrases we use are very particular. I would love some advice on basic retail phrases e.g how can I help you? What size are you looking for? Would you like to be measured for your size? Or even if you could point me in the direction of other good videos or perhaps a reference book or something? Your videos are great and I look forward to more!

[@meahroelands3593]

dunno if this comment is late but I found this really helpful you should do more of these

[@jessicamarie8561]

Hey, how do you sign "you're welcome" or what sign do you sign in return of "thank you" ?

[@paulfromtelecom1911]

Oh wow.... So there is not a standard... ? Could you perhaps do a video pointing out the major differences between American sign language and Australian. Apart from the obvious.

[@katesmiles4208]

Thank you for posting

[@jayneshepherd5193]

Thanks Abbey you have a very clear and friendly way of explaining the signs. I like the background info too. Could you possibly sign some nursery rhymes or songs for me to teach my Kindy children as I have a hearing impaired child in my class this year so I'd like to get the signing right. I live in W.A and have noticed so many variations to Twinkle, Twinkle little star that I'm getting confused. Thank you so much