Happy (adjective, 2) in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)

The NZSL sign for “happydelighted, enjoy, get pleasure from, glad, pleased, pleasurehari, koaadjective” conveys feelings of joy and satisfaction. This sign is commonly used in everyday conversations among the New Zealand Deaf community to express happiness or enjoyment in various contexts.

How to Sign “Happydelighted, Enjoy, Get Pleasure From, Glad, Pleased, Pleasurehari, Koaadjective” in NZSL

1. Start with both hands in a relaxed open position, palms facing up.
2. Bring your hands up from your sides towards your chest, slightly curved, as if you are gathering joy or happiness.
3. As your hands reach your chest, gently close your fingers into a fist while maintaining a smile on your face.
4. Keep your facial expression bright and positive to reflect the emotion of happiness.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to incorporate facial expressions, which are crucial in NZSL to convey the emotion behind the sign.
• Using a flat hand shape instead of a relaxed open hand when starting the sign.
• Not bringing the hands close enough to the chest, which can lessen the impact of the sign.

NZSL vs ASL

In NZSL, the sign for happiness is characterized by the hand movement towards the chest, reflecting a personal connection to the emotion. In ASL, the sign may involve a different handshape and a more outward movement, which focuses on expressing joy more broadly.

Related Signs

• (All Of) You – Used to refer to a group of people.
• (Be) Careful – A sign indicating caution.
• (Baby’s) Dummy – Refers to a pacifier for infants.
• (Be) Passive – Indicates a state of being non-active or neutral.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this sign in a sentence?

Yes! For example, “I am happy” can be signed by combining the sign for ‘I’ with the sign for ‘happydelighted’.

Are there regional variations in this sign across New Zealand?

This sign is generally consistent across New Zealand, but some individuals may have personal variations influenced by local community practices.

What is a similar sign in NZSL?

A similar sign is ‘pleased’, which also conveys a sense of happiness, but may have different nuances in specific contexts.

What tips can help me learn this sign better?

Practice in front of a mirror to check your facial expressions and hand positioning, and try to incorporate the sign into everyday conversations.

Is this sign used in formal settings?

Yes, this sign can be used in both informal and formal settings to express joy or satisfaction.

How can I improve my facial expressions while signing?

Watch videos of native NZSL users and try to mimic their expressions. Practice conveying different emotions while signing.