SPEAK OCEANESE
There’s more than one
way to say hello.
Different bodies. Shared meanings. A playful invitation to connect.
What is Oceanese?
Oceanese is the made-up way Raffy and his friends communicate through sounds, gestures, body movements and rhythms. A fin, a flipper, a claw or a wing can help express an idea.
In the stories, we read the animals’ conversations in English. Their human friends gradually learn to notice and understand Oceanese.
Try a rhythm together
This is a make-believe Oceanese play activity, not an Auslan sign. Listen to a short rhythm, then take turns making one of your own. Watching, tapping or moving in your own way all count.
Three gentle taps. Then it’s your turn.
Sound plays only when you choose it. You can tap together without sound, too.
Oceanese and Auslan are different
Oceanese is fictional. Auslan is a real language used by the Australian Deaf community. When we teach an Auslan sign, we will name it clearly and have the demonstration reviewed by a Deaf Auslan educator.
Our first greeting demonstration is still being developed. For now, enjoy making up a friendly rhythm together.