“How could I expand the appeal of NZSL (New Zealand Sign Language) beyond its current learner base?”

My research revealed that enrolments in the 2024 NZSL interpreter course showed a gender disparity, with 90 females compared to 15 males enrolled. With fewer male interpreters, this creates an imbalance in Deaf society, particularly for Deaf males who may feel more comfortable signing to a male interpreter. This highlights a potential gap in how NZSL is reaching or resonating with young hearing males in New Zealand. Other insights suggested that barriers such as time and financial commitment also affected people’s willingness or ability to learn NZSL.

To address these issues, I created Secret Signs, a fun introductory NZSL card game designed for young males. The game focuses on topics such as sport, activities and food & drink. It is intended for social settings, such as pubs. This creates an environment males feel comfortable being in and isn’t expensive.

The name Secret Signs references the history of NZSL, which was suppressed in public until 1980, forcing Deaf people to develop the language in their homes and Deaf clubs. By placing NZSL in a social setting, it expands the language’s appeal to new audiences, particularly young males, and bridges the gap between Deaf and hearing communities.