Hey everyone, I just wanted to share some exciting news about the Deaf community in New Zealand! It’s so important to support and uplift the Deaf community, and I hope this week will help raise awareness and appreciation for NZSL (New Zealand Sign Language). They are currently running an NZSL Week, and the theme is “Together can make NZSL thrive.” Incredibly, they are promoting and celebrating New Zealand Sign Language in such a positive way.
Learning sign language for everyone is critical, such as in Rest Homes, a cafe, the public hospital and the council. Every day many D/deaf people need help communicating with ordinary people such as family members, staff, nurses, and council staff without using NZSL.
It is natural for individuals who are deaf to develop cognitive and communication skills using sign language, which serves as their mother language. From a young age, they begin to learn and use sign language, which helps them enhance their early communication abilities. Sign language is an essential part of their culture and identity, enabling them to participate fully in their community and express themselves naturally and comfortably. It’s fascinating to note that babies and children aren’t able to hear the voices of their mothers, fathers, and family members. However, Deaf babies and children have found ways to connect with their loved ones by relying on their visual contact and sight as cues for communication. Their ability to adapt to their surroundings and form relationships is genuinely remarkable.
When inquiring about other sign languages, such as baby signs or Makton, people frequently presume that they are identical to New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that sign language is not universal and differs from nation to nation. Therefore, although there may be resemblances between distinct sign languages, they are not all the same.
The recognition of NZSL as an official language in New Zealand was hard-won by many determined Deaf individuals. Their dedication and persistence were rewarded on April 6, 2006, when the government passed the bill recognizing NZSL as an official language alongside Te Reo Māori. This historic moment was a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity and acknowledging the language and culture of the Deaf community in New Zealand.
Ka pai
Ko taku reo taku ohooho, ko taku reo taku mapihi mauria – My language is my awakening, my language is the window to my soul ~ Māori proverb
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