‘Sports have brought deaf people together in Australia since the 1890s. They have influenced the spread and development of Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and sports gatherings have provided fertile environments for language research and documentation. In this video Professor Trevor Johnston, a noted sign language linguist, explains the role sport has played in Auslan development.
Deaf people also have a long tradition of creativity and theatrical innovation. This video also includes a performance by ‘Rob Roy’ (Robert Farmer) celebrating the rich variety of sporting activities we all enjoy.’