Monday (Māori: rāhina, mane) in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)

The sign for “MondayrāHina, Manenoun” in NZSL represents the day of the week, specifically Monday. This sign is frequently used in everyday conversations within the Deaf community, whether discussing schedules, events, or plans. Understanding this sign is essential for effective communication about time and routines.

How to Sign “MondayrāHina, Manenoun” in NZSL

1. Start with your dominant hand in a flat handshape (like a “B” handshape) with fingers extended and together.
2. Position your hand in front of your forehead, with the palm facing outwards.
3. Move your hand downwards in a small arc, away from your face, to represent the day of the week.
4. Maintain a neutral facial expression, or add a slight nod to indicate the start of the week.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to use the correct handshape; some learners may use a fist instead of a flat hand.
• Not positioning the hand correctly in relation to the face; it should begin at the forehead.
• Over-exaggerating the movement, making it look more like a gesture than a sign.

NZSL vs ASL

In NZSL, “MondayrāHina, Manenoun” is signed with a specific downward movement from the forehead, whereas in ASL, the sign for Monday typically involves a circular motion around the forehead. This difference highlights the unique characteristics of NZSL, which has its own signs and influences from British Sign Language (BSL) and te reo Māori.

Related Signs

• Monday – The sign for the day following Sunday.
• Week – A sign that represents the entire week.
• Sunday – The sign for the day before Monday.
• Today – A sign indicating the current day.
• Tomorrow – The sign for the day after today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use “MondayrāHina, Manenoun” in a sentence?

You can say, “I will meet you on MondayrāHina.” Sign this by combining the sign for “I” with “meet” and “MondayrāHina.”

Are there regional variations of this sign in New Zealand?

While “MondayrāHina, Manenoun” is widely understood, some regions may have slight variations in movement or facial expression. It’s always good to learn from local Deaf users.

What is a similar sign to “MondayrāHina, Manenoun”?

The sign for “week” is closely related, as it encompasses all the days, including Monday.

Can I use this sign in a formal setting?

Yes, “MondayrāHina, Manenoun” is appropriate in both casual and formal conversations about schedules and events.

What are some tips for learning this sign?

Practice regularly with Deaf friends or in a class. Watching video demonstrations can also enhance your understanding and execution of the sign.

Is this sign used in other sign languages?

This sign is unique to NZSL. Other sign languages, like ASL, have different signs for days of the week.