Her / His / Its / Their (pronoun) in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)
The sign for “her / his / its / their belong to, hers, own, possess” is a key part of expressing possession in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). It’s commonly used in everyday conversations within the Deaf community, allowing signers to indicate ownership or belonging. This sign reflects the rich cultural context of NZSL, which became an official language in New Zealand in 2006, showcasing both its unique signs and influences from British Sign Language (BSL) and te reo Māori.
Table of Contents
How to Sign “Her / His / Its / Theirbelong To, Hers, Own, Possess, TheirstāNa, TōNa, Tā RāUa, Tō RāUa, Tā RāTou, Tō RāToupronoun” in NZSL
- Start with your dominant hand in a flat position (like a ‘B‘ handshape).
- Place your hand near your chest, palm facing inward.
- Move your hand outward from your chest to indicate possession, while keeping your palm facing in the same direction.
- Facial expressions are important here; raise your eyebrows slightly to show you are making a possessive statement.
- Depending on the context, you can vary the movement and position slightly to indicate different possessive pronouns (e.g., ‘his’ vs. ‘hers’).
Common Mistakes
- Using the wrong handshape; remember to keep it flat.
- Not moving the hand away from the body enough, which can confuse the meaning of possession.
- Neglecting facial expressions, which are crucial in conveying the possessive nature of the sign.
NZSL vs ASL
In NZSL, the sign for possession involves a movement away from the body with a flat handshape, while in American Sign Language (ASL), the sign may use a different handshape and facial expressions. This highlights the distinctiveness of NZSL as an official language with its own unique features.
Related Signs
- (All Of) You
- (All Of) Youyou Allkoutou (Katoa)Pronoun
- (Baby’S) Dummy
- (Be) Careful
- (Be) Born, (Give) Birth
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use this sign in a sentence?
You can use the sign by placing it in the appropriate context. For example, “That is her book” would involve signing “her” and then “book” after.
Are there regional variations in this sign?
While the core sign remains consistent, some regional variations may exist in hand movements or facial expressions. It’s always good to observe local signers!
Is this sign similar to any other signs?
This sign shares similarities with other possessive signs in NZSL, but the specific movement and handshape can change based on the pronoun used.
What tips do you have for learning this sign?
Practice in front of a mirror to ensure your handshape and movement are correct. Also, pay attention to facial expressions as they are essential in NZSL.
Can I use this sign for multiple people?
Yes, you can adjust the movement and context to indicate possession for multiple people by using the appropriate pronouns.
How can I improve my NZSL skills?
Regular practice with the Deaf community and using resources like video demonstrations can significantly enhance your skills.
Practice This Sign
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