Greeting someone in their native language is a wonderful way to show interest and respect. If you’d like to connect with someone who uses New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), knowing how to say “Hi, how are you?” is a great start. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways of greeting someone in NZSL, providing various tips and examples along the way. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Greetings
Formal greetings are often used when meeting someone for the first time, in professional settings, or when showing respect. In NZSL, the formal way to say “Hi, how are you?” is:
“Hello, how are you?”
[Motion: Start with both hands together, palms facing inward, then separate them while keeping the palms facing upward. Finally, bring both hands towards your chest.]
Remember to maintain eye contact and a warm smile while signing to create a friendly atmosphere. It’s important to give the other person time to respond before moving on with the conversation.
Informal Greetings
Informal greetings are generally used among friends, family, or acquaintances in casual settings. To say “Hi, how are you?” informally in NZSL, follow this sign:
“Hey, what’s up?”
[Motion: Raise your dominant hand with a relaxed wrist and wiggle your fingers a few times.]
Informal greetings allow for more casual body language and expression. Feel free to be more relaxed and use non-manual markers to convey your enthusiasm, such as raising your eyebrows or tilting your head slightly.
Tips for Greeting in NZSL
Here are some additional tips to help you make a positive impression when signing greetings in NZSL:
1. Establish Eye Contact
Eye contact is crucial in sign language conversations. It promotes engagement, understanding, and respect. Keep your focus on the other person and maintain eye contact while signing your greetings.
2. Facial Expressions Matter
In NZSL, facial expressions play a significant role in conveying emotions and intentions. Use appropriate facial expressions to match the tone of your greeting. A warm smile, raised eyebrows, or a nod can enhance your message.
3. Pace and Pauses
Avoid rushing through your signs. Maintain a comfortable pace, allowing the other person time to process and respond. Utilize natural pauses to indicate the end of a greeting or to invite a response.
4. Adapt to Regional Variations
NZSL is influenced by variations in different regions across New Zealand. While the basic signs remain consistent, some regions might have specific variations. If you are in doubt or notice a difference, feel free to ask the other person for clarification or adapt accordingly.
Examples:
Let’s explore a few examples of how to say “Hi, how are you?” in NZSL:
Example 1:
Signer A: [Motion: Hello, how are you?]
Signer B: [Motion: I’m good, thank you. How about you?]
Signer A: [Motion: I’m great, thanks for asking!]
Example 2:
Signer A: [Motion: Hey, what’s up?]
Signer B: [Motion: Hey, not much. How about you?]
Signer A: [Motion: Just finished work, happy it’s the weekend!]
Example 3:
Signer A: [Motion: Hello, how are you?]
Signer B: [Motion: Not so great, feeling a bit tired. How about you?]
Signer A: [Motion: Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Take care and rest up!]
Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you engage with NZSL speakers, the better you’ll become at signing greetings and establishing meaningful connections.
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of how to say “Hi, how are you?” in NZSL, go out there and spread the warmth through sign language!
