Sign Language Facial Expressions and Non-Manual Markers 3

Question 1

What does widened eyes paired with raised brows modify in ASL when used as a non-manual marker?

Accepted Answer

Adjectives or adverbs to intensify their meaning

Answer

Widened eyes and raised brows can intensify adjectives or adverbs in ASL, conveying an extreme degree such as 'very fast' or 'extremely large.'

Question 2

Which of the following demonstrates the non-manual marker for topicalization in ASL?

Accepted Answer

Raised eyebrows and a slight forward head tilt while signing the topic

Answer

Topics in ASL sentences are marked by raised eyebrows and a slight forward head tilt held while the topic is signed, before the comment follows.

Question 3

What is the significance of mouth movements in ASL?

Accepted Answer

They can add semantic information and help differentiate similar signs

Answer

Mouth movements in ASL can carry semantic information, help differentiate signs with similar handshapes, and some reflect English mouth patterns, especially in contact signing.

Question 4

How are non-manual markers in ASL different from gestures used alongside spoken language?

Accepted Answer

Non-manual markers are grammatically obligatory, not optional additions

Answer

Unlike optional gestures in spoken language, non-manual markers in ASL are grammatically required components that change meaning and sentence type.

Question 5

What happens to the meaning of a signed sentence if the signer uses furrowed brows instead of raised eyebrows during a yes/no question?

Accepted Answer

The sentence may be interpreted as a wh- question or negative statement

Answer

Using furrowed brows instead of raised eyebrows changes the grammatical non-manual marking, potentially making the sentence read as a wh- question or negation rather than a yes/no question.

Sign Language Practice Test

Sign Language Practice Test

Sign Language Facial Expressions and Non-Manual Markers 3