New Zealand Sign Language Week 4-10 May 2015

Media Release
March 2015

Celebrate. Communicate. Connect
New Zealand Sign Language Week 4-10 May 2015

From 4 - 10 May 2015, Deaf Aotearoa is hosting the ninth New Zealand Sign Language Week – a celebration of one of the country’s official languages: New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).

New Zealand Sign Language Week raises awareness about New Zealand’s Deaf community and the contribution and colour NZSL brings as well as raise awareness of some of the unique opportunities that Deaf people face each day.
NZSL is the natural language of Deaf New Zealanders, as it reflects the country’s culture and includes signs for Maori terminology and concepts unique to New Zealand. As an official New Zealand language, NZSL is used daily by more than 20,000 New Zealanders. NZSL uses a combination of hand shapes, facial expressions and body movements to convey meaning, and has its own structure and grammar that is different from English.

There are many ways the public can get involved during New Zealand Sign Language Week. Deaf Aotearoa offices across the country will be holding local events and activities involving NZSL, including guided tours of local attractions in NZSL, hosting NZSL talent performances, and providing interpreters at local community events. Furthermore, Deaf Aotearoa will be ensuring the advancement and accessibility of NZSL to all New Zealanders by hosting over 600 free 45 minute NZSL Taster Classes around the country for schools, businesses and healthcare providers. This gives more people an opportunity to get a taste of NZSL and learn skills that will help them communicate with Deaf New Zealanders.

On the NZSL Week website (nzslweek.org.nz), there is an opportunity to win spot prizes by learning NZSL and completing the 7 Signs in 7 Days Challenge, or joining in with the “My Favourite Sign” conversation on social media. There will also be special events run by Deaf Aotearoa throughout the country, and the Week officially concludes with the NZSL in Action Awards Gala Dinner in Wellington celebrating the contribution made by businesses, organisations, schools and individuals in supporting both NZSL and the New Zealand Deaf community.

To find out more, sign up for a NZSL Taster Class, participate in 7 Signs in 7 Days, or learn about New Zealand Sign Language and find events near you, visit. www.nzslweek.org.nz

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