1. 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.

2. 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!

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

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

7. 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

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

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

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