Story: New Zealand Sign Language

NZSL signs for Māori-specific concepts

Signs for Māori concepts are being added to New Zealand Sign Language as Māori deaf people gain more opportunities to participate and acquire cultural knowledge in te ao Māori, which has been historically difficult for them to access. However an interpreter who is fluent in both te reo Māori and NZSL can translate between the two languages, transferring and expressing concepts in a way that is meaningful within the vocabulary and structure of each language.

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Victoria University of Wellington

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Images: Online Dictionary of New Zealand Sign Language

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How to cite this page:

Rachel McKee, 'New Zealand Sign Language - Ghost page', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/diagram/47338/nzsl-signs-for-maori-specific-concepts (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Rachel McKee, published 27 Aug 2020, updated 1 Sep 2020