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New Zealand Sign Language

Rachel Whalley —

Learn basic the hand shapes, facial expressions and body movements of NZ sign, the natural language of the Deaf community and one of New Zealand's official languages!

Learn the basics of signing with your dominant hand and the alphabet, so you can learn to introduce yourself and your family, say greetings and farewells, say where you live as well as other important parts of deaf culture.

New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is the natural language of the Deaf community in New Zealand; so it reflects the country’s culture by including signs for Māori concepts which can not be found in other sign languages or countries.

As one of the country’s official languages, more than 24,000 New Zealanders use NZSL daily. It is also the 12th most frequently used language out of approximately 190 languages currently used in New Zealand" (Deaf Aotearoa NZ) 

Students can participate in small groups in mixed school classes, or with their classroom teacher as a 'whole class'. 

Find out about the benefits of learning New Zealand Sign Language, NZSL, and how we can support schools with language classes for students, teachers and support for deaf students.

Virtual Learning Network (VLN) Primary in action Education Gazette NZ

Halfmoon Bay School ākonga in their online NZSL class during Covid.

Ākonga say:

"Thank you Janine for teaching us NZSL It’s nice to get the opportunity to learn a new language and giving us simple conversations to do with a partner and getting a choice to do the hard or easy ones. Now we can communicate to each other In class quietly."

"I had a lot of fun learning a new language. Now we can have private conversations with out Room 1 & 2 knowing what we are talking about."

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or contact us with any questions.

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