New strategy to promote New Zealand Sign Language
New strategy to promote New Zealand Sign
Language
Minister for
Disability Issues Carmel Sepuloni has launched a new New
Zealand Sign Language strategy on the inaugural
International Day of Sign Languages.
“Today is the United Nation’s day for celebrating Sign Languages internationally and it’s a fitting time to announce a new strategy to promote the uptake and use of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL),” Carmel Sepuloni said.
“The New Zealand Sign Language Strategy 2018-2023 sets the strategic direction for NZSL over the next five years. I would like to thank the New Zealand Sign Language Board for their work on this Strategy.
“New Zealand is one of very few countries where its sign language is an official language. We are recognised as a world leader for our commitment to maintaining and promoting the use of NZSL in Aotearoa and the new strategy aims to further promote the language and empower our Deaf communiites.
“Language opens up a wealth of opportunities for Deaf people - including social, cultural, educational and employment opportunities. It is a matter of human rights that we embrace NZSL to promote equal opportunities for Deaf people,” Carmel Sepuloni said.
The new New Zealand Sign Language Strategy will focus on
o Acquisition – The learning
of a language by children and adults.
o
Use/Access – The ability to use a
language in any or all domains of society, including within
whānau.
o Attitude – The beliefs
and opinions of language users and others.
o
Documentation – The systematic recording
of language use for research and reference.
o
Status – How a language is regarded by
its users and others.
A video message from Minister Carmel Sepuloni about the strategy is here - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CxMWqxHiiGg&feature=youtu.be
Find out more about the NZSL Board Strategy at https://www.odi.govt.nz/nzsl/nzsl-strategy-2018-2023/
NB for Reporters:
What
is the purpose of International Day of Sign Languages
(IDSL)?
The United Nations proclaimed 23 September as IDSL to raise
awareness of the importance of sign languages for the full
realisation of deaf peoples’ human rights. It acknowledges
that access to learning and services in sign language is
vital. It recognises the importance of preserving sign
languages as part of linguistic and cultural
diversity.
How is this
different from NZSL Week?
The International Day
for Sign Languages, starting in 2018, builds on our NZSL
Week, held in May each year, and showcases NZSL on an
international stage. It provides an opportunity to raise
awareness of the importance of sign languages to the global
Deaf community.
Who leads IDSL
internationally?
The World Federation
of the Deaf (WFD) will take lead on the day, on behalf
of the United Nations. WFD includes 135 national
associations representing approximately 70 million deaf
people worldwide. Each WFD member association and country
will participate in IDSL.
How many people
use sign languages?
According to the WFD, there
are approximately 72 million deaf people worldwide. More
than 80% of them live in developing countries. Collectively,
they use more than 300 different sign
languages.
Statistics New Zealand notes there are 20,000
people who can use NZSL to some extent.
In addition to
each country’s sign language, International Sign Language
is used in international meetings and informally when
travelling and socialising.
It is not as complex as
natural sign languages and has a limited lexicon.