Week 2019 in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)
The sign for “New Zealand Sign Language Week 2019” celebrates the annual event that promotes awareness and appreciation of NZSL within the wider community. This week is an opportunity for the Deaf community to come together and advocate for the recognition of NZSL as an official language of New Zealand. It’s commonly used during events and activities leading up to and throughout the week.
Table of Contents
How to Sign “Week 2019” in NZSL
- Start with your dominant hand in a flat ‘B’ shape (palm facing down). This hand will represent “week.”
- Place your dominant hand on the palm of your non-dominant hand, which is held flat and facing up.
- Move your dominant hand slightly forward and then back toward your body, while keeping your non-dominant hand steady.
- Now, to sign “2019”, use your dominant hand to form the number ‘2’ (index and middle fingers extended, others folded). Hold it in front of you.
- Next, transition to the number ‘0’ by forming an ‘O’ shape with your dominant hand.
- Then, sign ‘1’ by extending your index finger, followed by ‘9’ which can be signed by holding up the index finger and curling the other fingers down.
- Ensure your facial expression is enthusiastic and engaged, reflecting the celebratory nature of the week.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to use facial expressions, which are crucial in NZSL for conveying emotion and context.
- Confusing the hand shapes for the numbers; make sure to practice the distinct shapes for clarity.
- Not maintaining a steady base with the non-dominant hand, which can lead to unclear signs.
NZSL vs ASL
In NZSL, the sign for “New Zealand Sign Language Week 2019″ incorporates specific hand shapes and movements that may differ from how it is signed in American Sign Language (ASL). For instance, the number ‘2019’ might be signed differently in ASL, emphasizing the regional differences in numeral signs and cultural context.
Related Signs
- WEEK – Sign for a week in NZSL.
- NZSL – Sign for New Zealand Sign Language.
- 2019 – Sign for the year 2019.
- COMMUNITY – Sign representing the Deaf community.
- CELEBRATE – Sign for celebrating events.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I use “New Zealand Sign Language Week 2019” in a sentence?
You can say, “I’m looking forward to celebrating New Zealand Sign Language Week 2019!” by signing each word in sequence.
Are there regional variations for this sign in New Zealand?
Generally, the sign remains consistent across New Zealand, but some regions may have slight variations in the way numbers are signed.
Are there similar signs in NZSL?
Yes, there are signs for different years, such as “2018” or “2020,” which have similar hand movements but differ in the number formations.
What tips do you have for learning this sign?
Practice with a mirror to check your hand shapes and movements. Watching videos of fluent signers can also help improve your skills.
How does “New Zealand Sign Language Week” connect to the Deaf culture?
This week highlights the importance of NZSL in Deaf identity and culture, promoting awareness and advocacy within the wider community.
Is there a specific way to sign the celebration of the week?
You can incorporate expressions of joy and enthusiasm while signing to show the importance of the celebration.
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