They've been a near constant presence on our TV screens this year, first in emergency alerts in the summer's bushfire crisis then during press conferences during COVID-19.
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Auslan interpreters have been front and centre in times of crisis in 2020, helping convey information to Australia's Deaf community.
That exposure to the broader community has led a surge in the number of people wanting to learn sign language. In Canberra alone, there has been a 1000 per cent surge in the number of enrolments to take part in Auslan classes, according to The Deaf Society.
At the Canberra Institute of Technology, which also conducts Auslan courses, there have more than 180 expressions of interests to take part with just three slots available in the class.
Chief executive of The Deaf Society Brett Casey said while a surge in interest in Auslan was common after interpreters were seen in natural disaster coverage, the spike following COVID-19 had been one of the largest.
"The numbers have grown in a crazy manner," Mr Casey said.
"With the exposure to interpreters on TV, an unintended consequence is that people become interested in sign language. Some people see it as a new language and something that they've always wanted to do."
It's estimated 30,000 Australians use Auslan on a daily basis, while up to 3 million people are affected by some form hearing loss.
Mr Casey said along with helping participants to be able to communicate with deaf family members or friends, the classes were also a way to help clear up misconceptions about the language.
"One misconception is that Auslan is an equivalent form to English, so there is one sign per word, but Auslan is its own natural and true language with its own syntax and grammar," Mr Casey said.
"People may not be aware each country has its own sign language, so if you went to America, and even though it also has English as its spoken language, it uses a completely different sign language."
One of the many people who have been learning Auslan during coronavirus has been Kaleen resident Aaron Powell.
After taking a beginner course last year, he decided to expand his studies further this year, doing a certificate II.
He said there had been a large difference in learning Auslan this year during a time when there was more exposure of Auslan interpreters on screens, compared to when he first began learning.
"I've had a lot more people respond with interest in telling them I've been learning Auslan in the past few months," he said.
"The last few months have made it very clear how valuable Auslan is and what the practical applications of it are."
Mr Casey said the large numbers of people seeking to learn Auslan also meant more people would be able to better communicate and connect with the Deaf community.
"If you think about it for a Deaf person, if another person like a colleague starts signing to you, what a level of engagement that is."