Tag Archives: facial expressions

Non-Manual Markers in American Sign Language (ASL)

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We recently received an email from a student about the use of non-manual markers.  This person wanted to know how non-manual markers are used in American Sign Language.  Does ASLdeafined show the use of non-manual markers?

Non-manual markers include the use of facial expressions, body language, head movements, eye gazes, etc.  For example, if you are mad at someone, or about something, you may not have to use even one sign.  You can just show it by the expression on your face.  Or, if someone asked you a “yes” or “no” question, you could simply shake your head accordingly.  Non-manual markers are those additional items (partial list below) that are other than actual signs.  Now, many times you will include a head nod with a particular sign (see the example for “don’t understand” below) to clarify the message.

Here are some non-manual markers you will see in American Sign Language:

  • Head nods
  • Raised eyebrows
  • Tilted head
  • Pursed lips
  • Eye shifts
  • Eye gazes
  • Facial expressions (smile, anger, frown, puzzled look, etc)
  • Body shifts / movements

Usually, non-manual markers develop over time as you become more fluent with ASL.  When you are conversing with a deaf person, notice which non-manual markers they use.  Do they shake their head to indicate an affirmation?  What about body shifting, or eye movements?

After you start noticing non-manual markers, please share them with us by responding to this blog.  On ASLdeafined, we illustrate many non-manual markers.  Check them out when you get the time.

 

Example:

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Now, what non-manual markers did you notice?

It’s All in Your Face!

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American Sign Language (ASL) has many unique attributes that helps signers with the understanding of expressed thoughts and ideas, such as the usage of facial expressions.  Now, not everyone will have their “face” (facial expressions) on all of the time.  However, the more expressions you exhibit, the greater the chance your message will be understood.

On occasion, deaf individuals may ask for clarifications because facial expressions are not present.  Now, if this were to happen, do not feel insulted, nor should you consider it rude.  Instead, change how you are signing the message, and merely add more facial expressions. Your facial expressions show if you are sad, mad, shocked, surprised, disappointed, happy, jovial, etc.  Use them to the best of your ability.

Another feature of American Sign Language (ASL) that is critical to command while communicating with a deaf person is the use of your eyes.  While engaged in a conversation with a deaf person, you should be looking at the deaf person the entire time while conversation is taking place.  However, if for any reason, you break eye contact, it is considered rude.  Now, I can just imagine what you are thinking as a hearing person.  There are numerous times when we hear something, and we automatically look to the source of the noise for an explanation.  However, you have to try your best to break that habit of looking away when you hear a noise, or if someone is calling your name while you are conversing with a deaf person.   So, if someone is calling your name, or trying to get your attention while you’re signing with a deaf individual, what can you do in this situation?  (Can you just feel another poll coming up?).

 

Another way to use your eyes while conversing in ASL is with eye gazes.  You may be talking about a certain person in the room, but the deaf person doesn’t quite follow who you are referring to.  So, with a quick and swift eye gaze over to the person you are (so secretly) talking about, you can let the deaf person know who it is, and make it easier for them to follow the conversation.  You can also use your nose and head in the same sense.  For example, a mere twitch of your nose can be used to indicate a person “over there”, which is similar to a tilt of the head to point out the presence of someone.  Who knew that learning American Sign Language could be this much fun?