Calm Down, Quieten, Relax, Settle Down, Take It Easy in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)

The sign for “calm down, quieten, relax, settle down, take it easy” is a gentle reminder to take a moment for oneself. It’s commonly used in various contexts, from helping someone manage stress to encouraging a peaceful atmosphere. This sign encapsulates feelings of tranquility and relaxation, making it a valuable addition to your NZSL vocabulary.

How to Sign “Calm Downquieten, Relax, Settle Down, Take It Easyata Tauverb” in NZSL

1. Start with your dominant hand in a relaxed open hand shape (palm facing down).
2. Position your hand at chest height, around the center of your body.
3. Slowly move your hand away from your body in a gentle outward motion.
4. As you move your hand, slightly bend your elbow and allow your hand to relax into a loose fist.
5. Maintain a calm facial expression, perhaps with a soft smile, to convey the peaceful intent of the sign.

Common Mistakes

• Using a tense or aggressive facial expression instead of a calm one, which can change the sign’s meaning.
• Making the hand movement too fast or abrupt; this sign should be smooth and gentle.
• Not positioning the hand correctly at chest height, which can lead to misunderstandings.

NZSL vs ASL

In NZSL, the sign for “calm down” emphasizes a gentle outward movement from the body, while in ASL, the sign may have a different hand shape and movement. This highlights the unique characteristics of NZSL, influenced by local culture and the Deaf community’s preferences.

Related Signs

• (Be) Careful – A sign used to indicate caution.
• (Be) Passive – Represents a state of being non-active.
• (Baby’s) Dummy – Refers to a soothing object for babies.
• (Be) Carefulbeware, Caution – A reminder to be cautious.
• (All Of) You – A sign for addressing a group.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use this sign in a sentence?

You might say, “Please calm down” by signing the phrase and then pointing to the person you are addressing.

Are there regional variations of this sign in New Zealand?

While the sign is generally consistent, some regions may have slight variations in movement or facial expression.

What are some similar signs to learn?

Related signs include “relax” and “breathe,” which share similar gentle movements.

What tips do you have for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to refine your facial expressions and hand movements, ensuring they convey calmness.

Can I use this sign in a formal setting?

Yes, this sign is appropriate in both casual and formal contexts where you wish to promote relaxation or calm.

How do I teach this sign to children?

Make it fun by incorporating a story about calming down, and encourage them to mimic your movements.

Is this sign used differently in other sign languages?

Yes, while the concept remains similar, the execution may vary across different sign languages, such as ASL or BSL.