Covid-19 could be prompting some people to learn a new language. 

The deaf community is reporting a dramatic rise in those wanting to learn sign language, after seeing interpreters at the 1pm televised press conferences.  

But Deaf Aotearoa Chief Executive Bridget Ferguson told Tim Dower says many people don't realise it takes years to get the level seen in those briefings. 

“We train at AUT in Auckland, and so, from there then it takes years of experience in the vast sectors of society, because you can one day be interpreting for the Prime Minister, next day interpreting in a GP consult.” 

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