What is NZSL?

Sign language is a combination of hand shapes, facial expressions and body movements.

It is not just signed representations of a spoken language and itsstructure is completely different to spoken language.

New Zealand Sign Language is not merely a signed version of Kiwi English.

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

As spoken languages can be different from one region or country to another (eg english), so to are sign languages. American Sign Language, for instance, is quite unintelligible to a British Sign Language user.

Sign language is the voice of Deaf people and enables them to fully participate in communities and society.

It's also a whole lot of fun and anyone can learn New Zealand Sign Language here.

Points to remember about NZSL:

• NZSL is a true and natural language that conveys information via a wide array of movements and expressions
• NZSL does not interfere with or reflect a signer's knowledge and use of English
• NZSL is not based on English or other spoken languages - it is not just finger spelling
• NZSL is not a universal "Deaf" language.
• NZSL is not mime or gesture, as is used by professional artists.