Loose in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)

The sign “looseloose-fittingtangatanga, tangaraadjective” describes clothing that is not tight and allows for comfort and ease of movement. It’s commonly used in the New Zealand Deaf community when discussing fashion, comfort, or preferences in clothing styles.

How to Sign “Looseloose-Fittingtangatanga, Tangaraadjective” in NZSL

1. Start with both hands in a loose open ‘5’ handshape, with fingers spread apart.
2. Position your hands in front of your torso, palms facing towards you.
3. Move your hands outward and slightly away from your body, as if showing the size of the loose-fitting clothing.
4. Maintain a relaxed facial expression, indicating comfort and ease.

Common Mistakes

• Using a tight handshape instead of a loose ‘5’ handshape, which may convey a different meaning.
• Performing the sign too close to the body, which can make it unclear that you are describing loose-fitting clothing.
• Forgetting to maintain a relaxed facial expression, which is essential in NZSL to convey the right emotions.

NZSL vs ASL

The sign for “looseloose-fittingtangatanga, tangaraadjective” in NZSL differs from ASL, where the concept might be conveyed with different signs that focus more on the style or fit of the clothing rather than the comfort aspect. NZSL often uses more facial expressions and body movements to enhance the meaning.

Related Signs

• (All Of) You – Refers to a group of people, indicating inclusivity.
• (Baby’s) Dummy – Refers to a pacifier, often used in conversations about infants.
• (Be) Careful – A sign that indicates caution or the need to be careful in a situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use this sign in a sentence?

You can say, “I prefer loose-fitting clothes” by signing the concept of ‘I’ followed by the sign for ‘prefer’ and then using the sign for ‘looseloose-fittingtangatanga’.

Are there regional variations of this sign in NZ?

While the sign is generally consistent across New Zealand, some regions might have slight variations in hand movements or facial expressions based on local usage.

What similar signs should I learn?

Learning signs like ‘tight’ and ‘comfortable’ can help enhance your vocabulary related to clothing and fashion.

What tips do you have for learning this sign?

Practice in front of a mirror to ensure your handshape and facial expressions are correct. Watching fluent signers can also help.

Can I use this sign in formal settings?

This sign is appropriate in both casual and formal discussions about clothing, as it conveys a clear description.

How does this sign relate to cultural expressions in NZSL?

This sign reflects the importance of comfort in clothing, which resonates with the values of many in the New Zealand Deaf community.