In American Sign Language (ASL), a Non-Manual Signal (NMS) refers to the facial expressions or body movements used to convey additional meaning alongside a sign. These signals are a fundamental and indispensable part of ASL grammar and communication, providing crucial context, grammatical information, and emotional nuance that manual signs alone cannot express. While not all signs necessarily require NMS, their presence profoundly impacts the meaning of what is being communicated.
Understanding Non-Manual Signals in ASL
Non-manual signals are distinct from the manual signs produced by the hands. They encompass a wide range of movements and expressions, primarily involving the face (eyes, eyebrows, mouth, cheeks) and sometimes the head or torso. These subtle yet powerful elements function similarly to intonation or tone of voice in spoken languages, adding layers of meaning to signed communication.
Why NMS Are Essential in ASL
NMS are not merely decorative; they are integral to the linguistic structure of ASL. They serve various critical functions:
- Grammatical Markers: NMS can distinguish between different sentence types, such as questions (yes/no or WH-questions), statements, or commands.
- Adverbial Functions: They can indicate how an action is performed (e.g., quickly, slowly, carefully, carelessly).
- Adjectival Functions: NMS can describe the intensity, size, or nature of something.
- Emotional and Attitudinal Context: They convey feelings like excitement, confusion, doubt, anger, or surprise, which are vital for understanding the signer's message.
- Lexical Distinction: In some cases, NMS can differentiate between signs that have similar manual components but different meanings.
- Topic-Comment Structure: NMS often mark the topic of a sentence, setting it apart from the comment.
Common Types of NMS with Examples
The variety of non-manual signals is vast, each contributing a specific layer of meaning. Here are some common examples:
| NMS Type | Description | Example/Function |
|---|---|---|
| Eyebrows Up | Raised eyebrows, sometimes with a slight head tilt. | Used for yes/no questions (e.g., "YOU GO?"), or to mark a topic. |
| Eyebrows Down | Furrowed or lowered eyebrows. | Used for WH-questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How), or strong certainty. |
| Nodding | Up and down head movement. | Indicates affirmation, agreement, or ongoing action. |
| Shaking Head | Side-to-side head movement. | Indicates negation, disagreement, or "no." |
| Puffed Cheeks | Cheeks are inflated. | Indicates "very big," "fat," or sometimes "a lot." |
| CS (Cheek-to-Shoulder) | Cheek touching or nearing the shoulder, often with a slight squint. | Indicates "close by," "recent past," or "small." |
| MM ("Mmm") | Mouth morpheme, lips pursed, often with a thoughtful expression. | Indicates "normal," "average," "comfortable," or "moderate." |
| PS (Pursed Lips) | Lips are tightly pressed together, often with a slight tilt of the head. | Indicates "small," "thin," or "precisely." |
| OHO (Open Mouth) | Mouth open, forming an "O" shape, often with raised eyebrows. | Indicates "surprise," "shock," or "large." |
| Tongue Out/Pulled Down | Tongue slightly out or pulled down, often with a "pah" sound. | Indicates "finally," "at last," or an action completed with relief. |
For a deeper dive into how these and other non-manual markers influence meaning, resources like ASL University offer comprehensive explanations.
The Role of NMS in ASL Grammar
NMS work in conjunction with the manual parameters of a sign (handshape, palm orientation, location, and movement) to form a complete and grammatically correct message. Without the appropriate NMS, a signed sentence can be grammatically incorrect, misunderstood, or convey an entirely different meaning than intended. For instance, signing "YOU GO" with raised eyebrows indicates a question, whereas signing it with a neutral expression might imply a statement or command.
Learning and accurately utilizing NMS is crucial for anyone learning ASL, as it ensures clear communication and a full understanding of the language's richness and complexity. The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) provides valuable insights into the nuances of American Sign Language and its importance in Deaf culture.
