Aspects of New Zealand Sign Language

Abstract

Communities of deaf people throughout the world communicate in signed languages. This research investigates the signed language used by the deaf community in Wellington, New Zealand. The central question throughout the thesis is if NZSL demonstrates the properties of a natural language which Hockett (1958:547) identifies as duality, arbitrariness, productivity and cultural transmission. Chapter 1 introduces the motivation for this thesis. It reviews previous NZSL research. Chapter 2, The Development of a New Zealand Sign Language, examines the cultural transmission of British Sign Language into New Zealand during the last century and the resulting young language which emerged from the mixture of BSL with local signs. The processes which effected the maturation of NZSL are examined. The methodology used to collect, analyse and report the NZSL data is presented in Chapter 3. The paradigms and models used in this thesis are presented and the informant population is described. Chapter 4, Phonological Aspects of NZSL, investigates the presence of the properties of duality and arbitrariness in NZSL signs. Chapter 5, Word Formation Processes in NZSL, examines the property of productivity. The Processes within NZSL which produce signs as well as the incorporation of BSL signs and the influence of English on NZSL are investigated. The Australasian Total Communication System, a signed English system which is not a natural signed language, is discussed briefly in order to contrast it with NZSL. Chapter 6, Aspects of Grammar, explores the grammar in use among the deaf community. Chapter 7, Aspects of Variation in NZSL, examines lexical, stylistic and accommodating variation and the cultural transmission of, NZSL. Chapter 8 summarizes the findings of the thesis. NZSL adheres to what appear to be widespread principles of signed languages. Thus the data presented contribute to a general knowledge and understanding of signed languages.