Cried, Wept in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)

The sign for “cryshed tears, weeptangiverb” is used to express deep emotions, particularly sadness or grief, within the New Zealand Deaf community. It’s commonly used in conversations about personal experiences, storytelling, and during emotional moments. This sign beautifully conveys the act of crying or weeping, reflecting the rich emotional landscape of the Deaf experience.

How to Sign “Cryshed Tears, Weeptangiverb” in NZSL

1. Start with both hands in front of your face, palms facing down.
2. Curve your fingers slightly to form a loose claw shape.
3. With a gentle movement, bring your hands downwards, mimicking the motion of tears falling.
4. As you perform this motion, maintain a facial expression that reflects sadness or sorrow.
5. For emphasis, you can add a slight shake of your head or a downward glance.

Common Mistakes

• Using stiff fingers instead of a relaxed claw shape, which can make the sign look unnatural.
• Not expressing the right facial emotions, as facial expressions are crucial in NZSL.
• Moving hands too quickly; the sign should be smooth and flowing to convey the emotion properly.

NZSL vs ASL

In NZSL, the sign for “cry” utilizes a downward movement to represent tears falling, whereas in ASL, the sign typically involves a more direct reference to the eyes with a different hand shape. This reflects the unique cultural and linguistic influences of each sign language.

Related Signs

• (All Of) You
• (Baby’s) Dummy
• (Be) Born, (Give) Birth
• (Be) Careful
• (Be) Passive

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use this sign in a sentence?

You can use the sign by incorporating it into a sentence like, “I cried when I heard the news,” using appropriate facial expressions to convey your feelings.

Are there regional variations for this sign?

While the sign is generally consistent across New Zealand, some regions may have slight variations in hand shape or facial expression influenced by local Deaf culture.

What are some similar signs?

Similar signs include “sad,” “mourning,” and “cry,” each expressing different nuances of emotional expression. It’s important to learn these to enhance your communication.

Any tips for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to ensure your facial expressions match the emotions you want to convey. Watching native signers can also be helpful.

What if I struggle with the facial expressions?

Facial expressions can be challenging. Consider practicing with a friend or recording yourself to observe and improve your expressions.

Can I use this sign in storytelling?

Absolutely! It’s a powerful sign to convey emotions during storytelling, allowing your audience to connect with the feelings being described.

How do I know when to use this sign?

Use this sign when discussing topics related to sadness, loss, or emotional moments in your life or in others’ experiences.