This area is about learning to communicate using New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) – usually with people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
NZSL is based on combinations of hand shapes and movements, facial expressions and body language.
Studying NZSL involves learning to use a 'visual' language to communicate.
NZSL is also about the Deaf community and its culture.
NZSL is much closer to British Sign Language than American Sign Language.
NZSL became one of NZ's official languages – in addition to English and Te Reo Māori – in 2006.