New Zealand Sign Language

What Is Sign Language?

New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is unique to New Zealand and is one of our official languages. It's the natural language of our Deaf community - the voice of Deaf people that enables them to participate fully in our communities.  

NZSL was developed right here on our home soil. It contains ideas, sayings and words that are not found in other sign languages. In particular, it has signs for Te Reo words and ideas which cannot be found anywhere else.

Sign language is a combination of hand shapes, facial expressions and body movements. It is not just signed representations of a spoken language. The structure of sign language is completely different from spoken languages.

There are hundreds of sign-based languages in use around the world and, even within a given language, there can be regional dialects. People in Christchurch, for instance, may sign something slightly differently from those in Wellington.

Go to www.nzsign.co.nz for more information on the history of NZSL, FAQs, and NZSL as an official language

Interested in learning NZSL?

NZSL classes are held around the country. You'll find information about the options for learning NZSL and NZSL classes near you on the New Zealand Sign Language Teachers Association website - www.nzslta.org.nz . Check out your local Adult Community Education classes too.

NZSL resources

There are a number of NZSL dictionaries online, including one developed by Victoria University in conjunction with the Deaf Studies Unit at:  NZSL Dictionary

There's another online dictionary on Van Ash Deaf Education Centre's website - www.vanasch.school.nz

You'll find more online NZSL resources at KELSTON DEAF EDUCATION CENTRE WEBSITE ADDRESS, www.nzslta.org.nz and www.nzsign.co.nz

NZSL Week

www.nzsign.co.nz

Every year in May, Deaf Aotearoa organises New Zealand Sign Language Week to raise awareness of and celebrate NZSL and being Deaf. This is the biggest week of the year for Deaf Aotearoa!

We organise many events and activities throughout the country. As part of NZSL Week 2009, over 240 "taste of NZSL" classes were held involving more than 6,000 people.

Interested in being involved?

We want all New Zealanders to learn something of this beautiful and unique language - and we'd love for you to get involved. NZSL Week 2010 will be held from 1st - 8th May. Our offices throughout the country will organise local events and promotions and we always need help with the huge amount of preparation that takes place in the months leading up to NZSL Week. NZSL Week [5.49 MB]

You'll meet new people and learn some sign language!

Please contact Kathryn Heard if you would like to get involved as a NZSL Week "Signateer".

NZSL Interpreters

NZSL Interpreters work with Deaf and hearing communities bridging the language barriers that may occur where one person speaks NZSL while the other does not. They play an important role in ensuring access to information and support for Deaf people.

NZSL Interpreters are graduates of the Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting from AUT in Auckland.

Cool sites

Here's a list of educational and community sites for more information on New Zealand Sign Language:

Links