Afraid in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)

The sign for “afraid, alarmed, fear, frightened, scared, scary, terrified, terror (wehi), mataku” is used to express feelings of fear or anxiety in various situations. It’s a common sign among the Deaf community in New Zealand, especially when discussing scary experiences or emotions. This sign can also convey a sense of alarm in response to certain events.

How to Sign “Afraidalarmed, Fear, Frightened, Scared, Scary, Terrified, Terrorwehi, Matakuadjective; Noun” in NZSL

1. Start with both hands open and facing towards your body.
2. Place your fingertips on your chest, around where your heart is located.
3. As you express the sign, slightly pull your hands away from your body, while curling your fingers into a loose fist.
4. Simultaneously, your facial expression should show concern or fear, with your eyebrows furrowed and eyes wide.
5. Finish the sign by bringing your hands back towards your chest, emphasizing the feeling of being alarmed or scared.

Common Mistakes

• Not using an appropriate facial expression; the emotion should be clearly conveyed through your face.
• Using an incorrect handshape; remember to keep your hands open before transitioning to fists.
• Not emphasizing the movement away from the body, which helps convey the feeling of fear or alarm.

NZSL vs ASL

In NZSL, this sign involves a specific movement away from the body, accompanied by a facial expression that indicates fear. In contrast, ASL may use a different handshape and movement, focusing more on the intensity of the emotion without the same body movement. Understanding these differences can enhance communication between different sign language users.

Related Signs

• (Be) Careful – A sign used to express caution.
• (All Of) You – A sign indicating a group.
• (Baby’S) Dummy – Related to comforting and safety.
• (Be) Passive – Represents a state of being that can include fear.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use this sign in a sentence?

You can say, “I am afraid of the dark” by signing ‘I’ followed by the sign for ‘afraid’ and then the sign for ‘dark.’

Are there regional variations for this sign in NZ?

While the core sign remains the same, some regions may have slight variations in movement or facial expression based on community influences.

What is a similar sign to express surprise?

The sign for ‘surprised’ has a different movement and handshape, often involving wider arm movements and a more shocked facial expression.

What tips do you have for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to ensure your facial expressions match the emotions you want to convey. Watching videos of native users can also help.

Can this sign be used in different contexts?

Yes, it can be used for various situations, such as hearing a loud noise or watching a scary movie, emphasizing the feeling of fear or alarm.

Is this sign influenced by te reo Māori?

Yes, NZSL has incorporated elements from te reo Māori, reflecting New Zealand’s cultural heritage and respect for the Māori language.