新西兰英语 140 New Zealand Sign Language Week

　　This week, starting today, is New Zealand Sign Language Week, celebrating the language that is used by the Deaf community. Just three years ago, NZ Sign Language (NZSL) became the third official language in New Zealand, after English and Maori. This means that people who are part of the Deaf community are entitled¹ to interpreters in law courts and in hospitals.
NZSL is different from other Sign Languages used around the world but there are some international signs that are recognised everywhere. Sign Language is a language with its own grammar. The NZSL Dictionary with more than 2,500 signs was published in 2002.
NZSL week will be celebrated² with a number of activities. There will be an opening tonight by the Governor-General. The main cities will hold 45 minute Taster classes in libraries and other places to offer people a chance to learn a little NZSL, a taste. The International Comedy festival will offer some programmes this week in Auckland with interpreters for the Deaf. One comedian³, who calls himself Deafywood, gives Sign Language performances also.

1 entitled   

有资格的

参考例句：

• You will be entitled to your pension when you reach 65. 你到65岁就有资格享受养老金。
• He entitled us to enter his office at any time. 他授权给我们可以随时进入他的办公室。

2 celebrated   

adj.有名的，声誉卓著的

参考例句：

• He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.不久他就成了英格兰最负盛名的年轻画家之一。
• The celebrated violinist was mobbed by the audience.观众团团围住了这位著名的小提琴演奏家。

3 comedian   

n.喜剧演员；滑稽演员

参考例句：

• The comedian tickled the crowd with his jokes.喜剧演员的笑话把人们逗乐了。
• The comedian enjoyed great popularity during the 30's.那位喜剧演员在三十年代非常走红。