Understanding NZ Sign Language and Deaf culture will launch your career
Career
Opportunities
- Sign language interpreters
- Professionals working with
Deaf clients
and colleagues - Professionals who need an understanding of Deaf culture such as teachers, health educators, mental health experts
and counsellors
Our graduates in Sign Language Interpreting
New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is an official national language and right now there's a shortage of sign language interpreters nationwide. AUT is responding to this challenge with two new degrees in NZ Sign Language - English Interpreting and NZ Sign Language - Deaf Studies.
NZ Sign Language interpreters enable Deaf people
to participate equally in our society
Giving everyone the opportunity to learn NZSL
I would love to see New Zealanders using NZSL in everyday encounters with Deaf signers so they participate equally as hearing people in the wider society. My vision is that everyone should learn NZSL at different levels because NZSL is an official language in New Zealand. I have a passion for NZSL and English and love to express these languages through creative arts. As a lecturer, I use my authentic language to impart real-life knowledge about NZSL and Deaf culture to new learners. My research interests are in the way students learn effectively both in and outside of class and by participating in the Deaf community and in developing NZSL resources through advanced visual technology.
Lynette Pivac
MA Applied Language Studies
I love being an interpreter
My inspiration comes from supporting communication between Deaf and hearing people and being able to support Deaf people to have access to all the things we take for granted. Seeing Deaf students accessing tertiary education has been a major driver for me. AUT is the only provider of sign language interpreting education in NZ currently - we have small classes that are taught by members of the Deaf community and by practicing interpreters. It's an exciting university to teach at and I'm so pleased that we have these new degrees to offer students in 2011.
Shizue Sameshima
MA Applied Linguistics
Enquire about Studying New Zealand Sign Language at AUT University
Email: courseinfo@aut.ac.nz
Apply Now: Complete an application form to study NZ Sign Language at AUT.
Phone: 0800 AUT UNI (0800 288 864)
