Frequently Asked Questions (Auslan)
Q1. What's the difference between Auslan & Signed English?
A. Auslan is a visual-gestural language, which has developed naturally within the Australian Deaf community over many years. Its grammar is visual in that it follows a natural order that is unique to sign languages. It is a highly expressive and concise language, which is as rich and diverse as any spoken language.
Signed English was developed by predominantly hearing educators who borrowed signs from Auslan and artificially created new signs for English elements which are not used in Auslan. Signed English is signed in English word order and has been used in educational settings with the hope that it would immerse the deaf child in English, enhancing their proficiency. English is now more effectively taught using Auslan & English simultaneously in the classroom, a method known as the Bilingual approach. Signed English, being slow and often impassive, has not been embraced by the Australian Deaf community and is slowly disappearing.
Q2. How do I become an Interpreter?
A. Professional Auslan/English Interpreters are accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). There are two ways to gain NAATI accreditation, by either applying directly to NAATI for testing, or attending a NAATI accredited interpreting course. The latter option is the most successful route and is widely encouraged by ASLIA, the Australian Sign Language Interpreters Association. To successfully apply for entry into a NAATI accredited interpreting course you must have bilingual and bicultural skills, meaning that you are proficient in using both Auslan and English and that you are able to function successfully in both cultures.
Successful completion of the Diploma of Auslan will provide you the best opportunity to gain entry into the interpreting course. It is the only comprehensive, full-time nationally accredited Auslan course conducted in Victoria at present and was developed by staff of the Auslan & Deaf Studies Centre.
Q3. What work opportunities are available when I finish the Diploma course?
A. It is important first to decide what area of work you are most interested in pursuing. The three main areas of employment within the Deaf community are Interpreting, Community Welfare and Education.
- Auslan/English Interpreters are in great demand. Once accredited, an interpreter can register with several booking agencies to work freelance or can apply for an increasing number of contract positions, although at present the latter is still a limited option.
- Community Welfare workers are employed by each State Deaf Society. Although the number of positions is quite limited, there are several alternative positions that exist in service provision, which may prove equally appealing. Vacancies in this area are often dependent upon the level of government funding received by each Deaf Society.
- Educational opportunities vary from teacher of the Deaf to teacher's aide to integration aide to support worker, each of which requiring quite different levels of training. You may need to study a Diploma of Education and then the Postgraduate Diploma to specialise in teaching deaf children. Other in-class support workers may only require sufficient Auslan proficiency.
Q4. What happens if I miss any classes?
A. Successful completion of any course is dependent upon the quality and quantity of the information you receive, and the way in which you apply yourself to the task of learning. We will guarantee the quality of information however the quantity is up to you! In most of our classes and especially Auslan classes, there are limited resources available in the community to support the module. Therefore your teachers are your most valuable resource. When you miss class, you miss the information provided by your teacher and may find it very difficult to supplement the loss of that information. This will impact on your ability to successfully complete all assessment requirements. Bottom line - try to miss as few classes as possible and bring a doctor's certificate if you are ill.
Q5. How do I apply for the Diploma of Auslan course?
A. Semester 1: Those wishing to commence the Diploma of Auslan in February must apply through VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre) and contact the Auslan & Deaf Studies Centre on 9425 5777 to register your details on our database. Applications should be made prior to the end of September each year.
Semester 2: To apply for the mid-year intake, contact the Auslan & Deaf Studies Centre on 9425 5777 by the end of April each year.
Q6. What's involved in the interview process for the Diploma of Auslan?
A. All applicants must attend an interview. At this session you will be asked to complete a spelling assessment, write a one-page essay and talk to two of our Auslan teachers. They will be looking for applicants who display some knowledge of the course and of the Deaf community; know how the course will assist them to achieve their vocational goals and are committed to completing the Diploma. They will also assess your visual memory and manual dexterity via some brief, fun activities.
No previous Auslan experience is required.
Q7. Can I study the Diploma of Auslan part time?
A. Not at this stage. The exit point after completing one semester of the Diploma course is accredited as the Certificate II in Auslan and this can be studied on a part-time basis. As the Diploma course is extremely time-intensive, it would take too long to complete, if you were attending part-time.
Q8. Are these courses accredited?
A. Yes. The Certificate II in Auslan and the Diploma of Auslan are nationally accredited courses. All TAFE colleges around Australia who conduct these courses will provide a credit for any successful results.
Q9. Are the courses Austudy approved?
A. Yes. Eligibility for receipt of Youth Allowance/Austudy is decided by Centrelink. More information is available from your local Centrelink office or visit www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/austudy.htm
Q10. Is Auslan a universal language?
A. No. Auslan is used primarily by members of the Australian Deaf community. It is however similar to New Zealand Sign Language and has its origin in British Sign Language, so transition into the British Deaf community would be relatively simple. It should also be noted that Auslan differs very slightly between each state. As in English, local dialects exist. These dialects reflect minor differences in individual Auslan signs. If traveling or relocating, these dialects tend to be absorbed quite efficiently by proficient Auslan users.
Q11. How well will I sign at the end of a part-time module?
A. At the successful completion of the Auslan 1 module, you will be able to have a short conversation on topics that are familiar to both users. You will learn in excess of 200 Auslan signs and how to develop simple visual sentences using correct Auslan grammar.
Q12 How can I upgrade my Certificate IV in Auslan to the Diploma?
A. There are several new modules that you would need to complete before being awarded the Diploma of Auslan. The most significant core modules are Introduction to Language & Terminology, Basic Structures of Auslan 1, Basic Structures of Auslan 2 and Semantics & Sociolinguistics of Auslan. It may also be necessary for you to study an Auslan elective to ensure that you have completed a minimum of 126 hours of elective study, including those electives successfully completed in your Certificate IV in Auslan.
Interested parties who are able to attend full-time study are invited to contact the Auslan & Deaf Studies Centre to review timetables and available positions.
Q13. Can I pay my fees in instalments?
A. Full-time students are encouraged to pay an upfront fee. In special circumstances you may be permitted to pay the remainder of the course fees in instalments. Successful applicants should contact Student Support Services on (03) 9279 2222.
Q14. Is the course suitable for deaf people too?
A. Yes! Both part-time and full-time courses may be relevant to deaf people for many reasons. Some deaf people who are already proficient Auslan users may like to learn more about their language, culture and history. Others may use the course as a stepping-stone to becoming an Auslan LOTE teacher. Those deaf people who know very little or no Auslan may enrol in our course to develop their Auslan skills which can subsequently provide opportunities to become involved in the Deaf community, develop new friendships and improve their quality of life.
If you have not found the answer to your question above, send us an email auslanadmin@kangan.edu.au.
