This week on Wednesday for sign language week we had to sign our name. NZSL is a combination of hand shapes, facial expressions, and body movements. NZSL is the natural language of the Deaf community in New Zealand. It reflects New Zealand culture by including signs for Maori terminology and 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 (Census 2006).
So why aren't other languages recognised in the same way? Other languages like Samoan, Tongan, Mandarin, have recognition in their own country of origin. Like Maori, NZSL is strictly “home-grown” in New Zealand.There are hundreds of sign-based languages in use around the world. every where sign language is a bit different. For example people in Christchurch may use slightly different signs than people in Wellington. As spoken languages can be different from one region or country to another. American Sign Language for instance, is quite different from British Sign Language.
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