X-Nico

4 unusual facts about New Zealand Sign Language


De facto

In New Zealand, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language are de jure official languages, while English is a de facto official language.

New Zealand Sign Language

Kelston School for the Deaf, opened 1958 (Auckland) and Kelston School for the Deaf Children was renamed in 1991 to Kelston Deaf Education Centre.

However, in light of much research into its validity as a language and much advocacy by deaf adults, parents of deaf children (both hearing and deaf) and educationalists, NZSL has since become — in tandem with English — part of the bilingual/bicultural approach used in public schools (including Kelston Deaf Education Centre and Van Asch Deaf Education Centre) since 1994.

Van Asch Deaf Education Centre (former Sumner School for the Deaf), opened 1880 (Christchurch)



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