NCEA L1 NZSL key terms

The natural visual-gestural language of New Zealand's Deaf community, with its own grammar, vocabulary and regional variation; recognised as an official language of New Zealand in 2006.

One of five parameters of a sign: the specific shape the hand(s) make, such as a flat hand or a fist. Changing handshape can change meaning.

Where a sign is produced relative to the body and signing space, such as at the forehead, chest or neutral space. Location is one of the five basic parameters of a sign.

The path, direction or repeated action of the hands in a sign. It is one of the five parameters and can distinguish signs that otherwise look similar.

The direction the palm faces when forming a sign, for example inward, outward, up or down. It is a parameter that can create minimal pairs in NZSL.

Facial expression, head movement, eye gaze, mouth patterns and body posture that carry grammatical meaning alongside hand signs, such as marking questions, negation or topic.

Changes in the face that convey grammar and affect in NZSL, including eyebrow position, mouth shape and eye widening. It is a key non-manual signal, not merely emotion.

The area in front of the signer's body where signs are made and where people, places and objects can be located and referred to. It supports spatial grammar and reference.

Use of points or locations in signing space to stand for people, objects or places, allowing a signer to refer back to them consistently during a narrative or conversation.

Directing the index finger to a person, object or location in signing space to refer to it. Pointing functions as pronouns and reference in NZSL, not as rudeness.

Signs or points used to refer to participants, such as I, you, he/she/they. In NZSL, pointing and handshape orientation often show who is involved.

The way some NZSL verbs move between locations in signing space to show subject and object, for example 'I ask you' versus 'you ask me'.

Verbs that show location, direction or movement in signing space, such as go, come or put. Their path often reflects the real movement of people or objects.

Signs that use handshapes to represent how something looks, moves or is handled, such as a vehicle moving or a flat object being placed. Also called classifier constructions.

Spelling out words letter by letter using the NZSL manual alphabet. It is used for names, unfamiliar words and acronyms, and is not the same as signing.

The set of 26 handshapes used to fingerspell English letters in NZSL. Some letters have two common forms; fluency includes reading fingerspelled names and words.

A personal sign given by Deaf people to an individual, often based on appearance, personality or a distinguishing feature. It is used instead of fingerspelling a name repeatedly.

An NZSL sentence pattern in which the topic is signed first, often with raised eyebrows or a pause, then a comment is made about it.

A question the signer asks and then answers, used to introduce or emphasise a point. In NZSL it often has specific non-manual marking and is not a real request for information.

A question expecting a yes or no answer. In NZSL it is commonly marked by raised eyebrows, a slight head tilt and holding the final sign.

A question asking for information, using signs such as who, what, where, when or why. In NZSL it is typically marked by lowered eyebrows and a slight forward head movement.

Expressing 'no' or 'not' through a headshake, a negative sign such as NOT or NONE, or both. Non-manual negation often spreads across part of the sentence.

A side-to-side head movement used in NZSL to negate a statement, often accompanying a negative sign or spreading over several signs.

Silent mouth movements that accompany some signs, often representing part of an English word. Mouth patterns can be lexical or grammatical and vary among signers.

A specific mouth shape or movement that adds meaning to a sign, such as size, manner or intensity. It is a non-manual feature and differs from ordinary English mouthing.

A way of showing reported speech or someone else's actions by shifting body position, eye gaze or facial expression to take on that person's perspective.

Using the body, hands and face to enact a person, animal or object's actions or feelings within a narrative, rather than describing them from outside.

The direction a signer looks, which can mark reference, turn-taking, emphasis or role shift. In NZSL, gaze is grammatically important and not just social.

The managed exchange of signing turns in conversation, using eye gaze, pauses, hand raises, nods and other signals to show when one person finishes and another begins.

Brief signals such as nods, raised eyebrows or small signs that show a listener is following, agreeing or encouraging the signer to continue without taking a full turn.

A conversational move that fixes a misunderstanding, such as repeating, rephrasing, fingerspelling or asking for clarification. Skilled signers use repair strategies smoothly.

A question or signal asking the signer to repeat or explain something, such as 'again', 'slow' or a puzzled expression. It is a key interpersonal strategy.

A group of Deaf people who share NZSL, Deaf culture, values and social networks. Membership is based on participation and identity, not only on hearing level.

The shared beliefs, behaviours, art, humour and language of Deaf communities, including values around visual communication, eye contact and collective identity.

New Zealand law that recognises NZSL as an official language and sets out principles for its use in legal proceedings and government services.

Culturally appropriate ways to get a Deaf person's attention, such as waving, tapping a shoulder or arm, or flicking lights; stomping or throwing objects is avoided.

Direct looking at the signer's face and eyes, which is expected in NZSL conversation because it supports understanding, turn-taking and respect.

A professional who conveys meaning between NZSL and spoken or written languages, managing turn-taking and meaning rather than signing word for word.

A language perceived through sight and produced with the body, hands and face. NZSL is a visual language with spatial grammar, not a signed version of English.

Differences in signs or usage across regions or communities, such as different signs for the same concept. Variation is normal in NZSL and is not a sign of error.