New Zealand Sign Language Week 4 - 10 May 2009

[Good Magazine]

New Zealanders from around the country are being encouraged to seize the opportunity with both hands and learn the nation’s newest official language, sign language, in celebration of New Zealand Sign Language Week.

Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand is hosting more than 200 free Taster Sign Language classes throughout the country during New Zealand Sign Language Week (NZSL), which runs from 4 – 10 May 2009.

The week promotes New Zealand Sign Language as one of New Zealand’s three official languages and raises awareness about the Deaf community.

The awareness week is organised by the not-for-profit organisation, Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand (formerly Deaf Association of NZ Inc.), which works with government and other organisations to provide information and resources on life for Deaf New Zealanders, Deaf culture and New Zealand Sign Language. Deaf Aotearoa also represents New Zealand Deaf internationally through the World Federation of the Deaf.

Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand Chief Executive Rachel Noble says the theme for 2009 NZSL Week is “New Zealand Sign Language Is In Your Hands”, to help encourage people to take responsibility for learning NZSL and to ensure information and NZSL Interpreters are available when Deaf people need to access employment, education, health and justice services.

“This theme both describes the fact that NZSL uses hands to speak the language but also that it is all New Zealanders’ responsibility to ensure that NZSL is promoted - so we are encouraging people to take up the offer and try a free Taster sign language class,” she says.

“New Zealand Sign Language is a unique and valid means of expression and communication. More than 29,000 New Zealanders use NZSL either fully or partially in their day-to-day lives.”The 2006 Census showed that New Zealand Sign Language is the 12th most frequently used language out of approximately 190 languages currently used in New
Zealand (Census 2006).

NZSL is the natural language of New Zealand’s Deaf community, as it reflects the culture of the country and includes signs for Maori terminology and concepts, which are not found anywhere else in the world.

Ms Noble says New Zealand's Deaf community fought for the recognition of sign language for generations.“It was suppressed for over a century, which greatly affected the education, health and employment opportunities for Deaf people," she says."Now it is an official language, so it is time to build on this national status - and make it something that both Deaf and hearing people can feel proud of, after all it reflectsthe culture of New Zealand.”

Throughout NZSL Week there will be a range of activities held nationwide, including school-based educational activities, a visiting American Deaf Stand-up Comedian, John Maucere, and the 2009 New Zealand Sign Language in Action Awards.

The week will finish with the fourth Deaf Short Film Festival in Wellington. The Festival showcases international and home-grown films made, directed and produced by Deaf people.

For more information about learning sign language, the work of Deaf Aotearoa New
Zealand, to make a donation or volunteer please visit www.nzsign.co.nz