“Inclusivity benefits everyone”: university student’s experience with New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)
Bibi Grainer is about to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Theatre, but learning NZSL is where she found her true passion.
Originating from Hamilton, Bibi used to come to Wellington to visit their sister and watch theatre productions. It was at one of these shows where Bibi was first introduced to New Zealand Sign Language, because of a Sign Language Interpreter translating the production.
“When I first encountered NZSL, my initial reaction was that it’s just such a beautiful and physically expressive language,” Bibi says. “You can use your whole body to communicate, and that’s just incredible.”
The NZSL courses at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington require students to attend both lectures and workshops. “Many students don’t know the language coming into it,” Bibi explains. “We have one Deaf teacher, and two hearing teachers, both fluent in NZSL. At the start you’re kind of apprehensive thinking ‘how are we going to communicate’, but you just make it work.
“The classes are so involved. There is a lot of skills and knowledge, so you’re forced to learn quickly. There was no judgements, we all want to learn, and our teachers want to pass on everything they can.”
A highlight for Bibi has been getting to know their peers and forming connections with other people who share the same passions for NZSL. “Our classes are quite small, there’s only 19 of us but we instantly all became like a friendship group,” Bibi explains. “We sign with each other, and that obviously aids our studies.
“Especially when you get to second year, everybody wants to be there. There’s no shame in trying, and we kind of thrive the most when we’re learning together and bouncing off each other.”
Along with learning how to sign in NZSL, students also learn about Deaf culture and history, including the development of NZSL in the education system, through research assignments.
NZSL is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s official languages, along with te reo Māori, and English. “It’s so important to learn the languages of where you’re from and where you live,” says Bibi. For Bibi learning and studying NZSL has opened their eyes up to more possibilities and opportunities.
“My awareness of NZSL has heightened, and I’m able to exist in the world with an increased appreciation for language and communication. By studying NZSL, I’ve better equipped myself to interact with new and different communities.”
Like with any new language, learning NZSL has its challenges. “You have to wrap your head around the fact that it’s not just signed English,” Bibi explains. “It is it’s own language. You have to learn to dismiss some of the linguistic structures you’d expect from English, if that’s your native language.
“You’re also not going to learn if you don’t practice. If you really want to develop, you have to commit to signing all the time and constantly challenging yourself.”
This May, Bibi will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts, but they’re already putting their NZSL skills to work. “When I came to Wellington, I wanted to work in theatre, and while I haven’t lost that interest, over the course of my studies at Vic, NZSL definitely became more of a passion for me.”
Bibi currently works as a Communication Support Worker NZSL Assistant for Hard of Hearing and Deaf students at two different local primary schools. “I’m a tool in the classroom to not only help Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, but the other kids also get exposed to NZSL, which is incredibly special. They’re able to make connections between what the teacher is saying and what the signs are.
“Kids are so excited and relaxed about it, which consequently means that Deaf and Hard of Hearing students aren’t embarrassed or uncertain about signing.”
Bibi’s studies have enabled her to positively influence younger generations about NZSL and teach them to respect and embrace the differences of others. “Me signing in the classroom normalises the language for them, and that inclusivity benefits everyone.”