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Story: New Zealand Sign Language

Variations in New Zealand Sign Language

School

School — Older signers

Older signers

School — Younger signers

Younger signers

Green

Green — Older signers

Older signers

Green — Younger signers

Younger signers

Green — Central region and/or older signers

Central region and/or older signers

Cricket (game)

Cricket — Male and/or younger signers

Male and/or younger signers

Cricket — Female and/or older signers

Female and/or older signers

Nine

Nine — Northern region signers

Northern region signers

Nine — Southern region and/or younger signers

Southern region and/or younger signers

Nine — Older signers

Older signers

Dictionaries of New Zealand Sign Language show alternative signs for many concepts. Like any language, NZSL has variations that have developed over time. In particular, older and younger generations, northern and southern signers, and men and women, may prefer different signs for some common concepts.

Using this item

Victoria University of Wellington

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, https://teara.govt.nz/en/diagram/47336/variations-in-new-zealand-sign-language (accessed 5 June 2026).

Story by Rachel McKee, published 25 August 2020, updated 1 September 2020.