Grace

Advert: Two full-time permanent NZSL interpreters, Kelston Deaf Education Centre, Auckland.

There's a job advert at KDEC for 2 full-time permanent NZSL interpreters - Check out the link and apply!

Committee nominations 2019-20 term

Nominations for 2019-2020 committee positions are now open for election at the AGM on Sunday 7th July 2019. We will be electing a new secretary, treasurer, and between 4-6 committee members.

Secretary and Treasurer roles are ideally held for two consecutive one-year terms. General committee members can choose to stand for a period of either one or two terms.

AUT - Auckland University of Technology

#AUTUNI NZSL lecturer, Thora Huebner, shares with us her reasons for learning the language, differences between New Zealand and German sign languages, and challenges facing the community.

⚫️ Tell us a bit about your background, why did you come to NZ?

In 2017, I moved to New Zealand for love. I grew up signing German Sign Language (DGS), it is my first language and my parents are also Deaf. I attended a Deaf school from primary to high school in my homeland.

⚫️ Can you explain to us how NZSL differs from German sign language – are there many similarities?

Just like spoken languages can be very different from each other, NZSL and German Sign Language are completely different. Sign languages are not based on the spoken language around them. For example, English is spoken in both NZ and the USA, but American Sign Language is also very different to NZSL. Australian Sign Language (Auslan) is quite similar to NZSL.

⚫️ I understand you are a qualified Deaf interpreter, can you explain what this is and how its different to hearing interpreters who interpret between a spoken and signed language?

Deaf interpreters interpret/translate between two different varieties of sign language, or between a written and a sign language, or tactual communication forms used by individuals who are Deafblind people. Most Deaf interpreters are native signers (grew up with sign language as a first language) and so they understand linguistic nuances and culture of Deaf community very well.

They are often used when communication needs to be very visually accessible, for example in legal settings, mental health settings, and sometimes on television. Hearing and Deaf interpreters often work in a team. In 2014, I completed Deaf interpreting course in Germany and I work with my working languages of NZSL, DGS and International Sign now. There is not yet any Deaf interpreting training available in NZ, but I hope this will change in the future because Deaf interpreters provide a really important service.

⚫️ Should more students learn NZSL as part of their degrees (e.g. elective) and why?

NZSL is one of official languages of New Zealand and learning NZSL has many advantages – not just learning a fun new language but also understanding diversity in our community.

⚫️ What is the one thing you think would make the biggest difference to the community in terms of raising awareness?

That would be happen if more Deaf people have high-ranking jobs e.g. Lawyer, Member of Parliament and Professor with access using NZSL.

Don’t stop learning after #NZSLweek ends! Checck out the NZSL App
📱 https://aut.nz/2YiTCq4

For more information about courses at AUT 👉 https://aut.nz/2vOuYRU ... See more

Registration is now open for SLIANZ Conference 2019: Interpreter role-call: taking stock in a changing world. For details and registration form, head to https://www.slianz.org.nz/conference

Meet the man who signs alongside Jacinda Ardern for NZ's deaf community

Another #nzslweek feature about sign language interpreters.

Alan Wendt is a familiar sight as the PM communicates with the country.