– Customer review on 11/06/2008

After a considerable wait, my copy of "The Concise Dictionary of New Zealand Sign Language" was delivered to my home. I ordered this book to help me as I began my studies of New Zealand sign Language. I also ordered a dictionary of American sign language (ASL) at about the same time I had placed my order for "New Zealand Sign Language".from another source. I had studied ASL briefly when living in the U.S. Both books were written primarily as language dictionaries. Interestingly enough, the were several differences in between this 2 works.

"New Zealand Sign Language" is organized around the basic hand position used in signing various words in NZ sign. All words that utilize similar hand positions in their signing, are grouped together. This organization was somewhat cumbersome to use when I wanted to quickly find the sign for a specific word in NZ sign. I was forced to look up the specific word in the index in the rear of the book. I then had to turn to the page indicated in the index for the word. I then turned to the page specified to find the sign used for any given word. I did however, find the inclusion of a "hint" of why a sign is used and show the related concept or meaning that is associated with the development of a specific sign

Unlike the NZ sign language dictionary, the ASL dictionary compiled by Gauluadet University, this dictionary is organized by listing words alphabetically with the corresponding sign for the word which is found next to the English word alphabetically appearing on the same page. This was a much easier process for me use when wishing to quickly find out the unknown sign for something I needed to communicate through my newly limited knowledge of sign language. Additionally, the ASL dictionary also has a DVD that is provided along with the dictionary. The DVD contains all the words and signs that are found in the dictionary. This too is a great tool to use when trying to learn how to make a new sign correctly and is much easier to follow the DVD of a sign than is a one dimensional drawn illustration of a sign.

Overall, both volumes are helpful in studying sign language. I like the organization ease in using of the ASL dictionary over that of "The Concise Dictionary of New Zealand". The DVD with the ASL dictionary is also a plus. The "hints" included in "The Concise Dictionary of New Zealand Sign Language", are excellent aids which makes it easier for a new sign language student to remember the NZ signs through association with their meanings or conceptual origins of the words provided in the hints.

Information about the development of each sign language (and sign language history) is also a good addition to the texts. Additional materials such as tables of number signs, signs of order, suggestions of mood or case inflections used concurrently with signed meanings, the use of lip reading, etc., are also a real pluses. I believe "The Concise Dictionary of New Zealand Sign Language" is an essential tool to be used when studying NZ sign language. This dictionary has a few advantages that it provides for student users of the book. I think there might be ways to increase the "user friendliness"of this book. If future editions of this book take another look at this work's organization, I think it could generally improve the book, making for increased use and ease of use, by all language students.

– Customer review on 06/07/2007

This is a great book to flip through and own. Sign Language is the third official language of New Zealand but not something you come across in your daily life unless you or one of your acquaintances uses it. I have a copy at work and my collages and I flip through it and try to learn new words whenever possible.