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Dark green background with a thin white border framing the page. In the top right corner is an outline of Australia with the words National Week of Deaf People on the West Australia side of the outline. In the middle at the top is the date 23 SEPT 2022. On the left is an abstract rectangular design. In the middle of this page is typed in capitalised letters: NATIONAL WEEK OF DEAF PEOPLE and at bottom is the subheading SIGN LANGUAGES UNITE US. In the bottom right is the page number 1.
White background with a thin dark green border. In the middle of this page is dirt with seed growing from seedling from the left all the way across to the right resulting in a grown plant with two hands on the top. Â
Halo, the green-blue paper plane with a smiley face, is flying above this growing process.Â
On the bottom right is the page number 2.Â
White background with a thin dark green border. In the middle of this page is an iceberg, with the tip shown as small in size while the rest of the iceberg under the water is bigger in size. There are clouds above the iceberg and Halo, the green-blue paper plane with a smiley ace, is flying above this iceberg.
On the bottom right is the page number 3.
It’s a paradox to call acquiring Auslan as my first language as a ‘privilege’ when it’s an essential human right – given that ALL babies and children have the right to have a language. This allows me to develop sophisticated language skills, make meaning, thrive socially, and communicate effectively with others.
Imagine this: picture a plant that is thriving, deep green, looks very healthy. Part of that is due to the roots of the plants. They dig deep into the soil and take what they need to thrive. It’s same with access to language – the roots help me thrive by developing identity and culture. If I didn’t have language I wouldn’t have the Deaf community and I’d be so left out in life. The Deaf community is absolutely rich in its history and lore.
If a plant didn’t have roots, would it thrive?
Think of this in another way; imagine an iceberg, where you can see only part of it. Underneath the water there’s a huge portion of the iceberg, which many people don’t realise. Auslan is like that; on the surface it’s a language, yet underneath the water there are so many ways it impacts a person’s being. It’s so powerful.
Auslan should be an automatic given to deaf children to learn; imagine how the Deaf community would thrive for many generations to come with so many able to communicate, advocate and know their rights. Auslan could even become legally recognised as a language in its own right, not just a community language.
