Want to learn NZ Sign Language? These Kiwi TikTokers teach the daily basics

It’s New Zealand Sign Language Week, and there are some keen Kiwi TikTok creators helping you learn the basics of one of Aotearoa’s official languages.

According to the 2023 Census, around 24,600 people in Aotearoa use NZSL - this includes roughly 4,600-5,000 deaf users of the language, along with hearing whānau and interpreters.

It's not many when you think about our population of five million around the motu.

So forget Duolingo, if you’ve been wanting to upskill and learn a new language, why not start a little closer to home? It’s a great way to connect with more people in our communities.

The NZ TikTokers teaching accessibility and inclusion through NZSL

Naketa Phillips (@naksigns)

Nak shares her experience of growing up deaf and receiving a cochlear implant at 18 months.

Alongside sharing everyday sign language, she uses NZSL in personal storytelling, helping viewers better understand deaf identity and communication in real-world conversations.

She’s got great tutorials on the basics - who, what, where, why and how.

Learn your manners - Nak shares how to sign please, thank you, sorry, excuse me, and ask “can I?”

She’s also got some curse words worth knowing, but doesn’t encourage using them - including one that’s often mistakenly used instead of “thank you”.

Nak also uses her platform to share the ways we can be more hearing-loss friendly.

Find good lighting and face the person so they can easily watch you speak - Nak says this is a big one, especially in settings like concerts or other low-light spaces, where people with hearing loss often rely on lip reading or clear signing.

She adds that if you’re having a conversation with someone who is hard of hearing, speak clearly and do NOT shout. Alongside that, avoid exaggerating lip movements, as it can make conversations more difficult and confusing.

Speak one at a time and reduce background noise - Nak explains that things can get messy when multiple sounds muddle together.

Include them in all activities - “We are all human, and everyone with hearing loss is also human. Just because we can’t hear well, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t include us.”

Sign With Chaz (@signwithchaz)

Chaz, a vision-impaired and deaf mum, has built a community around learning NZSL through her 'Sign of the Day' videos.

She posts quick clips teaching one word at a time, making it easy to build your signing skills daily.

“NZSL is one of our official languages, and for heaps of people it’s how they chat every day,” Chaz says.

Not everything needs words. Sometimes, hands say it better.

“This week, try to learn a couple of signs - even just ‘hello’ or ‘thank you’. Easy as. It might make someone’s day, too. Don’t be shy, just have a crack.”

So, now that you’ve got everything you need to learn the basics, give it a go - try using it today, tomorrow, and beyond NZSL Week.