Non-Manual Grammatical Signals (NMGS) ASL is a visual language and this fact impacts the grammar of ASL. Grammar consists of how sentences are put together to create meaning. ASL uses unique markers, called Non-Manual Grammatical Signals (NMGS) to give meaning to some of its sentences. These are a very important part of ASL grammar. They are usually facial expressions and head/body movements that are a REQUIRED part of the sentence. That’s why it is so important to watch the signer’s face (not his/her hands) when you are in a conversations.

You’ll need to recognize these NMGS ASL Sentence TypesI You’ll need to recognize these NMGS and use them until they are in your gut!

ASL Sentence TypesI Yes/No questions Example: Eng: Are you hungry? q ASL: HUNGRY YOU *NMGS = Non-Manual Grammatical Signals NMGS: Raise eyebrows Lean head forward Hold last sign in sentence

ASL Sentence TypesI Wh- questions Example: Eng: Who is hungry? whq WHO WHEN WHAT WHERE WHY WHICH HOW HOW MUCH/MANY Example: Eng: Who is hungry? whq ASL: HUNGRY WHO *NMGS = Non-Manual Grammatical Signals NMGS: Lower eyebrows Tilt head slightly forward Hold last sign in sentence Wh word needs to be at the end of the question.

ASL Sentence TypesI Negative #NO NOT NONE Example: Eng: No, I’m not hungry. neg ASL: #NO, ME HUNGRY NOT *NMGS = Non-Manual Grammatical Signals NMGS: Shake head no

ASL Sentence TypesI Confirming Example: Eng: Yes, I’m hungry. nod ASL: YES, ME HUNGRY *NMGS = Non-Manual Grammatical Signals NMGS: Nod head

ASL Sentence TypesI Asserting Example: Eng: Oh, yes, I’m hungry. nod++ ASL: YES, HUNGRY ME *NMGS = Non-Manual Grammatical Signals NMGS: Repeated, rapid head nod

ASL Sentence TypesI Surprise Example: Eng: You’re hungry! surp ASL: HUNGRY YOU *NMGS = Non-Manual Grammatical Signals NMGS: Eyebrows up Mouth open

ASL Sentence TypesI Doubt Example: Eng: You’re hungry?! doubt ASL: HUNGRY YOU *NMGS = Non-Manual Grammatical Signals NMGS: Eyebrows down Chin tilt down

ASL Sentence TypesI Declarative Example: Eng: I’m hungry. ASL: HUNGRY ME *NMGS = Non-Manual Grammatical Signals NMGS: none