Source
r/auslan•
AedificoLudus

places to find practice partners?

I'm learning Auslan through my university, and I want to get more practice in. I've approached people in the same course, but noone is available for consistent extra practice that works for both of us, so I'm looking for other ways to find practice partners.

Just like the idea of immersion with voiced languages, I think sitting down for half an hour to an hour regularly and communicating entirely non verbally would be a good way to help me solidify my skills. The actual course does include some time doing this, but I want to try to get more, particularly one on one where the focus is mostly on exposure and getting used to communicating in sign, rather than on learning new signs and about Auslan linguistics.

Posted Mar 4, 2020, 9:01 AM UTC

118
AedificoLudusOP•

One idea Ive had that may or may not work is making a facebook messenger group so people can message when they're free/wanting to practice, then jump in 1 on 1 video calls to practice

2
SpaceOddityFromOz•

I found finding other people to practice with really difficult. But rural living tends to do that. Facebook may have some pages where you could arrange meets.

Out of curiosity, which state are you from?

2
AedificoLudusOP•

I'm from NSW, not too far out of Newcastle to drive to something there for something I care about, but some recent events have made it so I can't really drive, so I'm stuck on public transport right now.

I'll try facebook, so if I can find something that I can get to. thanks

1
anco2000•

bit far from newy but well worth the trek: fb.com/groups/1918378028390048/

1
bmacbmacbmacbmacbmac•

Which state are you in?? I'm an interpreter working in Victoria and during my studies I found volunteering was the best way to get extra practice and exposure to natural language use and variation. Depending on how your skills are you might consider volunteering at Deaf community social events, events being hosted by Deaf sports clubs/organisations or training, Deafblind services, Deaf units in mainstream schools or after care programs and also keep an eye out for mainstream events calling out for volunteers with Auslan skills (I did the Film Festival down here a couple of times as a student). Get in contact with your state Deaf Society and see what other kinds of social events are happening through the year and get involved. All the best on your journey :)

1
AedificoLudusOP•

I'm in NSW. Thanks for your suggestion, although I don't think my skills are up to volunteering yet. I'd love to get them there, and will definitely be considering this if/when they do, but for now I think I'll contacting my state Deaf society, see if they have any resources that might be able to help, maybe out me in touch with someone in a similar situation nearby, we could muddle through together.

1
bmacbmacbmacbmacbmac•

That's why I reckon finding some Deafblind activities to get involved in would be a great idea. Not only is there a diverse range of communication preferences among the clients themselves but also the (oftentimes Deaf) people who support them. I started about 3weeks in to my Auslan course when all I could really do was finger spell. I got matched up with someone who used their voice but needed "in palm" finger spelling to access info and that worked great!! As long as you are honest and up front about your skills, have an open and positive attitude and don't expect to be glad handed to much for being there you'll be fine! All the best on your Auslan journey!!

1
SandraAust23•

If you've not found anybody, I'd love to practice regularly. Video chat voices off or on!

1