Sign Language Sign Language Grammar and Syntax

Question 1

What is the basic word order used in American Sign Language (ASL)?

Accepted Answer

Topic-Comment

Answer

ASL primarily uses Topic-Comment structure, where the topic is established first, then a comment is made about it.

Question 2

What is the term for the use of space in front of the signer to represent people or objects in ASL?

Accepted Answer

Spatial grammar

Answer

Spatial grammar in ASL involves assigning referents to locations in the signing space to show relationships between them.

Question 3

Which of the following are non-manual markers (NMMs) in ASL?

Accepted Answer

Facial expressions and head tilts

Answer

Non-manual markers include facial expressions, head movements, and mouth morphemes that carry grammatical meaning in ASL.

Question 4

How is a yes/no question indicated in ASL?

Accepted Answer

By raising the eyebrows and tilting the head forward

Answer

Yes/no questions in ASL are marked by raised eyebrows and a forward head tilt held throughout the question.

Question 5

What type of ASL sentence uses furrowed eyebrows and a forward lean?

Accepted Answer

Wh-questions

Answer

Wh-questions (who, what, where, when, why, how) are marked by furrowed eyebrows and often a forward lean of the head.

Sign Language Practice Test