Few, Rare (adjective) in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)
The sign for “few, rare, hardly any, hardly ever, infrequent, infrequently, little, not many, not much, not often, rarely, seldomtakitahi, ongeadjective; pronoun” in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) conveys the idea of scarcity or infrequency. It is commonly used in everyday conversations within the Deaf community to express low quantities or occurrences of something. This sign reflects the unique blend of influences that make NZSL distinct, including elements from British Sign Language (BSL) and signs from te reo Māori.
Table of Contents
How to Sign “Few, Rarehardly Any, Hardly Ever, Infrequent, Infrequently, Little, Not Many, Not Much, Not Often, Rarely, Seldomtakitahi, Ongeadjective; Pronoun” in NZSL
- Start with your dominant hand in a flat ‘B’ handshape (palm facing down).
- Hold your hand in front of you at about chest height.
- Move your hand slightly forward and downward while flicking your fingers outward, as if scattering something.
- Use a facial expression that shows the idea of something being sparse or uncommon; a slight frown or raised eyebrows can enhance the meaning.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to adjust facial expressions, which are crucial in NZSL to convey the right emotion and context.
- Using a closed fist instead of a flat ‘B’ handshape, which alters the meaning of the sign.
- Not moving the hand forward enough, which can make the sign unclear.
NZSL vs ASL
In American Sign Language (ASL), the sign for “few” is quite different, typically involving a different handshape and movement. While both signs convey the same concept of scarcity, the visual representation diverges due to the distinct grammar and vocabulary of each sign language.
Related Signs
- (All Of) You – Used to refer to a group of people in a collective manner.
- (Baby’s) Dummy – Refers to a pacifier for infants.
- (Be) Careful – A sign indicating caution or alertness.
- (Be) Born, (Give) Birth – Related to the act of childbirth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use this sign in a sentence?
You can use this sign when discussing quantities, for example: “I have few friends” can be signed as “I HAVE FEW FRIENDS” with the appropriate sign for “few.”
Are there regional variations for this sign in NZ?
While the core sign remains consistent across New Zealand, some regions may have slight variations in movement or facial expression, reflecting local Deaf culture.
How does this sign compare to the sign for ‘many’?
The sign for ‘many’ is often the opposite in movement and handshape, generally involving a more expansive gesture that shows abundance.
What are some tips for learning this sign?
Practice in front of a mirror and watch fluent signers to pick up on nuances in movement and facial expressions. Engaging with the Deaf community helps reinforce learning.
Can this sign be used for other contexts?
Yes, it can be applied in various contexts where you want to indicate something is not common, such as “I rarely go to the movies.”
What other signs are similar to this?
Signs such as “little” and “seldomtakitahi” are related and convey similar meanings of scarcity. Each has its unique handshape and context.
Practice This Sign
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