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NZSL Vocabulary Quiz

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NZSL Vocabulary Quiz

Read the short scenario and the NZSL communication notes below. Then answer each question. NZSL signs are visual and movement-based; written descriptions here are learning prompts, not substitutes for seeing a fluent signer. If you are unsure of a sign’s exact form, explain what you would check with a reliable NZSL source or fluent signer.

A welcoming conversation

At a community sports centre, Maia wants to greet a Deaf visitor, ask their name and offer help. She faces the person, gains their attention respectfully, signs at a comfortable pace, and watches their face and hands. When she is not sure she understood, she asks for clarification rather than pretending.

Quick reference: communicate respectfully

• NZSL is a complete language and one of New Zealand’s official languages. It is not simply signed English or a universal sign language. • Facial expression, eye gaze and body movement can contribute grammatical information and meaning. • Get someone’s attention respectfully, for example with a small wave or a gentle tap on the shoulder if appropriate. Do not grab or startle them. • Keep your face and hands visible. Use a natural pace and allow time for a reply. • NZSL has regional and personal variation. Check vocabulary and handshape or movement with a trusted NZSL resource or fluent signer rather than guessing from an English word.

Part A — Choose and interpret

Select the best answer for each item.

1.Which statement best describes NZSL?

A universal set of gestures used in every country
A complete language used in New Zealand, with its own grammar and vocabulary
English words shown one at a time with the hands
A communication system that uses only facial expressions

2.Maia wants to get the visitor’s attention before beginning. What is the most respectful choice?

Grab their hand and turn them around
Shout from behind them
Use a small wave in their line of sight, or another appropriate attention-getting method
Switch the lights off and on

3.A signer raises their eyebrows while signing a question. What is one likely role of the facial expression?

It can mark grammatical information, such as a question
It replaces every sign in the sentence
It means the signer is always surprised
It is unrelated to the message

4.The visitor gives an answer Maia does not understand. What should Maia do?

Pretend she understood and walk away
Ask respectfully for repetition or clarification
Tell the visitor to speak louder
Look only at the visitor’s hands and ignore their face

Part B — True or false?

Write true or false, then correct any false statement.

5.NZSL is the same language as Australian Sign Language because both countries are close neighbours.

TrueFalse

6.In NZSL, facial expression and body movement can help communicate meaning as well as emotion.

TrueFalse

7.If an English word has a sign in one sign language, that sign must be identical in NZSL.

TrueFalse

Part C — Vocabulary and communication choices

Use evidence from the reference and scenario. Write clearly; more than one respectful response may be possible where stated.

8.In the scenario, what does Maia do that helps make communication accessible? Give two specific actions.

9.Why is it inaccurate to describe NZSL as “English on the hands”? Explain one difference between NZSL and spoken or written English.

10.A learner wants to find out how to sign “please” and “thank you”. Give two reliable ways to check the vocabulary and explain why guessing from English alone may be a problem.

11.Write a two- or three-line plan for how Maia could begin the conversation, ask the visitor’s name, and offer help. Include at least two respectful communication choices. Do not invent exact sign movements if you are unsure; you may name the intended vocabulary in English and say how you would verify the NZSL signs.