Level 1 (General Information)
NZ Sign Language is the language used by people within the Deaf Community. You will gain a general understanding of the Deaf community and their culture, identity and sign language. It is a visual language, which conveys ideas by signs, facial expressions and body language. It has its own grammar, rules and sentence structure which is different from English or Maori.
Level 1 is offered at a range of levels, designed for students to follow from one to the next. Course content is indicative and will depend on each group of students’ ability but in general, tutors follow the NZ Sign Language Community Education Curriculum as a guide. Next step, once satisfactorily completing 1a, is to enrol in Level 1b.
As with all languages, your willingness to practice given exercises at home will greatly influence your success and enjoyment of the language.
Level 1a
This is a beginners class. No experience needed. Course content covers a general background of Deaf awareness and the Deaf culture. Topics will include meeting and greeting, and each classes needs and wants.
To help keep the cost of this course down we receive Government Funding and they require proof of residency/citizenship status. When you enrol you may be asked to provide a CERTIFIED copy of your Identity Documentation – click here for a full list of accepted IDocs.