This section contains information about each stage of Deaf Can:Do’s Talking Hands courses.
It should help you decide which stage would be best for you to enrol in.
These courses aim to assist people with the opportunity to learn a unique visual language. They are designed specifically to provide a progressive language acquisition in a relaxed, informal environment. They also aim to provide an insight into the unique world of deaf Australians who use Auslan on a daily basis. We hope to assist in the breakdown of the cultural barriers between the deaf and hearing community.
Talking Hands 1 will introduce basic vocabulary and grammatical structures as well as an insight into South Australia’s Deaf Community.
Talking Hands 2, 3 & 4 expand on Talking Hands 1 and will provide further exposure to the language. They focus on improving expressive skills as well as assisting the improvement of receptive skills.
Talking Hands 5 focuses on providing opportunities for students to experience converting Auslan into English. Furthermore, it assists understanding the roles that each element of Auslan plays in conversation.
Talking Hands 1
- Overview of course
- Introduction to Auslan
- Strategies for learning Auslan
- Fingerspelling
- Meeting people signs
- Numbers
- Days of the week
- Verbs
- Family signs
- General vocabulary
- Introduction to Deaf Culture
- Everyday signs
Talking Hands 2
- Revision (Talking Hands 1)
- Colour signs
- Time signs
- Family and Friends (extended)
- Basic facial expressions
- Introduction to Auslan grammar
- Developing conversation skills: role play, information exchange, games
- Work signs
- Animal signs
- Visual communication
Talking Hands 3
- Revision (Talking Hands 2)
- Basic Grammar Structure
- Basic glossary: Topic, Questions (yes/no), Wh-questions
- Shopping
- Food signs
- Money
- Country and State signs
- Family (descriptive)
- Likes/dislikes
- Holiday signs
Talking Hands 4
- Revision (Talking Hands 3)
- Shopping signs
- Sport signs
- Picture it 1 (Any shape)
- Party and Celebration signs
- Some "Flat handshape" signs
- Picture it 2 (All triangles)
- Some "Bad handshape" signs
- More shapes
Talking Hands 5
- Revision (Talking Hands 1-4)
- Basic Auslan/English skills
- Role-shift
- Basis of signed stories
- History of Deaf Can:Do, deaf awareness
- Deaf organisations
- Deaf inventors & inventions