Deaf Studies Research Unit (DSRU)
On this page:
- Online Dictionary of New Zealand Sign Language Project
- Christchurch Earthquake Deaf History Project
- Previous Projects
- Postgraduate Study
- Useful Links
Online Dictionary of New Zealand Sign Language Project
In July 2011, the DSRU, in collaboration with partner organisations launched an Online Dictionary of New Zealand Sign Language. The project was undertaken from 2008 -2011, funded by the Tertiary Education Commission through the Encouraging and Supporting Innovation (ESI) fund.
The Online Dictionary content is based on the previous Dictionary of NZSL (Kennedy et al, 1997), adding video clips of signs and usage examples to create a multimedia resource, as well as updating and adding entries to reflect change in the language. The dictionary is intended as an interactive reference tool for a wide range of users. Signs can be searched through English words, and through their visual features. Vocabulary sheets can be designed and printed from the website for teaching and learning purposes.
NZSL Online won a Highly Commended award in the Australia-New Zealand Internet Awards competition of 2011.
Christchurch Earthquake Deaf History Project
In 2011- 2012, DSRU is funded by the VUW Faculty of Humanites and Social Sciences to undertake an oral history project about Deaf experiences of the 2010 and 2011 Christchurch earthquakes. Narratives in NZ Sign Language are being recorded, abstracted and translated for archiving, and will also be edited into a documentary film. Data will be analysed to identify the problems and solutions experienced by Deaf people in accessing information and services following the earthquakes. This knowledge is relevant to planning future emergency responses and will be made available to government and community agencies. In collaboration with the University of Canterbury, digital data files will be contributed to the CEISMIC project which is creating a large archive of digital materials relating to the earthquakes, for use by researchers and the public.
Previous Projects
The Deaf Studies Research Unit (DSRU) was established in 1995 with the goal of conducting research on topics relating to Deaf people and their language in New Zealand. The first major work of DSRU was the production of A Dictionary of New Zealand Sign Language, the first of its kind in New Zealand. This project was completed by a team of deaf and hearing researchers over the period 1992-1997. To order the dictionary, click here. Research on the lexicon and grammar of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is ongoing in the DSRU.
Other topics investigated in connection with the DSRU include the use of NZSL amongst Deaf people, description of NZSL grammar, sign language interpreting, curriculum development for teaching NZSL, the community and culture of Deaf people in New Zealand, Deaf people in education.
The DSRU conducted a three-year study (2005-2007) of sociolinguistic variation in NZSL, supported by the Marsden Fund of the Royal Society of NZ. Using quantitative methods, the study is examining the relationship between variation in linguistic structures used by NZSL signers, and their social characteristics.
A recent research project investigated deaf children in mainstream classrooms in terms of their access to academic and social aspects of learning. The study gathered case study data on six children, and surveyed the views of national samples of parents, mainstream teachers, teacher aides, itinerant teachers of mainstreamed deaf students, and Deaf paraprofessionals. A summary of key issues from this project can be found by clicking here.
Postgraduate Study
The School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies welcomes applications for postgraduate study from students with appropriate academic backgrounds who wish to conduct thesis research in the area of Deaf Studies. Permanent research staff of the DSRU are Dr David McKee (Director) and Dr Rachel McKee.
For more information and resources on NZSL please click here.