Mary’s NZSL Journey: Building Connection Through Language

Learning a new language is about more than learning words and grammar - it is about connection, understanding, and building relationships.

Mary Fisher decided to learn NZSL because, as a blind person who currently works with Deaf colleagues, she wanted to learn more about Deaf culture and NZSL.

“I want to learn more about Deaf culture and NZSL. So that at mahi we can work well together and have general chats whakawhanaungatanga and collectively help NZSL be a language used in more places by more people in Aotearoa.”

One of the things Mary enjoyed most about the course was having structured time each week to focus on practicing and progressing different types of vocabulary and grammar that were useful for everyday situations.

As a blind learner of NZSL, accessibility was an important part of Mary's learning experience. Together, Mary and a hearing colleague found an effective way for her to fully participate in the online classes. While Mary signed to the laptop camera and received feedback from the tutor, her colleague supported her by voicing the tutor's explanations, reading the online chat, describing new signs, and guiding her hands to demonstrate handshapes and movements.

Her colleague:

• Voiced the tutor's explanations.

• Read comments from the online chat.

• Described new signs visually.

• Guided Mary's hands to demonstrate handshapes and movement.

• Voiced feedback after Mary signed to the camera.

  
  

This collaborative approach enabled Mary to actively participate in every class while continuing to build her confidence and skills. It is a powerful reminder that accessibility is about removing barriers - not lowering expectations.

Learning NZSL has had an impact across many areas of Mary’s life. She now has a wider range of sentence structures to use in different situations with her Deaf work friends and finds herself signing with friends and family more often.

“NZSL feels more natural” - especially in situations where spoken communication can be difficult, such as when it is windy, there is background noise, or people are further away from each other.

At work, Mary and her colleagues are continuing to grow their knowledge and use of NZSL through activities such as karakia and waiata led by Turi Māori. She has also connected with the local Deaf community through attending Deaf Club events, meeting people with shared interests, and celebrating important milestones such as the 20th anniversary of NZSL becoming an official language in Aotearoa.

Mary’s story highlights the many ways learning NZSL can create connection, inclusion, and stronger communities.

If you have been thinking about learning NZSL, we encourage you to take the first step. Whether your goal is to communicate with Deaf colleagues, support your community, or simply learn a beautiful language, your journey starts with a single sign.