what is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)

 

New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is the sign language used by the deaf community in New Zealand. It is the official language of the Deaf community in the country and is recognized as one of New Zealand's official languages alongside English and Māori.

NZSL has its own unique vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. It developed independently and has distinct features that differentiate it from other sign languages, such as American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL). While NZSL shares some similarities with these sign languages, it also has its own signs and regional variations.

NZSL is used by deaf and hearing-impaired individuals across New Zealand for communication. It is a visual language that relies on handshapes, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning. NZSL incorporates non-manual markers, including facial expressions, head movements, and body postures, which play an important role in conveying grammatical information and nuances.

In recent years, efforts have been made to promote the recognition and use of NZSL in various domains in New Zealand, including education, government services, and media. The New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006 officially recognized NZSL as an official language of New Zealand and aimed to ensure its preservation and access for the deaf community.