Greece, Italy in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)

The sign for “Greece” and “Italy” in NZSL represents the countries and their cultures, often used when discussing travel, food, or cultural heritage. This sign is commonly used in conversations about European countries, especially within the Deaf community in New Zealand.

How to Sign “Greece, Italygreek, Italiankirihi, ItāRiaadjective; Noun” in NZSL

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat handshape (like a “B” handshape).
2. Position your hand in front of your forehead, palm facing outwards.
3. Move your hand in a smooth circular motion away from your forehead, as if you are drawing a circle.
4. For “Italy,” repeat the same motion but shift your hand slightly lower to indicate the difference.
5. Maintain a relaxed facial expression to show that you are sharing information.

Common Mistakes

• Some learners may confuse the handshape with other signs, so be sure to maintain the flat handshape.
• Not using a circular motion can make the sign unclear, so practice the movement for clarity.
• Forgetting to change the hand position when switching from Greece to Italy can lead to confusion.

NZSL vs ASL

In NZSL, the signs for “Greece” and “Italy” involve a circular motion with a flat handshape, while ASL uses different signs that do not involve the same hand movements or positions. This highlights the unique characteristics of NZSL influenced by BSL and local signs.

Related Signs

• Greece
• Italy
• Culture
• Travel
• Food

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use this sign in a sentence?

You can say, “I want to visit Greece and Italy this year.”

Are there any regional variations for this sign in NZ?

While the sign is generally consistent across New Zealand, some regions may have slight variations in hand movement or positioning.

What is a similar sign I should know?

The sign for “Culture” is related as it often comes up in discussions about countries like Greece and Italy.

What are some tips for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to ensure your handshape and movement are correct. Watching native signers can also help.

Can I use this sign for discussions about Greek and Italian food?

Absolutely! These signs are often used when discussing cultural aspects, including food.

Is there a specific context for using this sign?

This sign is typically used in conversations about travel, culture, or when identifying someone’s heritage.

How do I know if I am signing it correctly?

Ask a native NZSL user for feedback or compare your sign with video resources to ensure accuracy.