Deaf in Australia

Deaf
Photo Source:  Faysal Khan - Pixabay 
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People Name: Deaf
Country: Australia
10/40 Window: No
Population: 53,000
World Population: 49,660,750
Primary Language: Auslan
Primary Religion: Christianity
Christian Adherents: 69.50 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Portions
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: No
People Cluster: Deaf
Affinity Bloc: Deaf
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Deaf in Australia have their own language and culture. They speak in the Australian Sign Language called Auslan. It is different from English Sign Language. Auslan is not spoken and has no written form. The signs made are by hand shapes, expressions of the face and by movements of the body. There is a need in Australia for more interpreters for the Deaf. There are societies for the Deaf in Australia.

Sign language is what unifies Deaf people in Australia. To be properly respected among the Deaf in Australia, it is best to know some Auslan and to show them that you regard this language as important. Deaf people are then willing to teach Auslan.

Deaf people need to be accepted for who they are and Deaf babies are very important to them. They need to know that Christ accepts them. Eye contact is important when communicating with Deaf people. It is best to sit further away from them but opposite them so they can see you. They use Auslan with each other and English when with hearing people as they mix with both. The Deaf in Australia are likely to ask hearing people about their connections with the Deaf.

There are only a small number among the Deaf in Australia who are evangelical.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Deaf in Australia will be befriended by Christians willing to learn Auslan and helping to bring them to salvation.
Pray that the Deaf evangelicals in Australia will lead the others of their community to Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Anonymous