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.
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:
1. Raise eyebrows
2. Lean head forward
3. Hold last sign in sentence
ASL Sentence TypesI
Wh- questions
WHO
WHEN
WHAT
WHY
WHICH
HOW
HOW MUCH/MANY
WHERE
Example:
Eng: Who is hungry?
whq
ASL: HUNGRY WHO
*NMGS = Non-Manual Grammatical
Signals
NMGS:
1. Lower eyebrows
2. Tilt head slightly forward
3. Hold last sign in sentence
4. 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:
1. Shake head no
ASL Sentence TypesI
Confirming
Example:
Eng: Yes, I’m hungry.
nod
ASL: YES, ME HUNGRY
*NMGS = Non-Manual Grammatical
Signals
NMGS:
1. Nod head
ASL Sentence TypesI
Asserting
Example:
Eng: Oh, yes, I’m hungry.
nod++
ASL: YES, HUNGRY ME
*NMGS = Non-Manual Grammatical
Signals
NMGS:
1. Repeated, rapid head nod
ASL Sentence TypesI
Surprise
Example:
Eng: You’re hungry!
surp
ASL: HUNGRY YOU
*NMGS = Non-Manual Grammatical
Signals
NMGS:
1. Eyebrows up
2. Mouth open
ASL Sentence TypesI
Doubt
Example:
Eng: You’re hungry?!
doubt
ASL: HUNGRY YOU
*NMGS = Non-Manual Grammatical
Signals
NMGS:
1. Eyebrows down
2. Chin tilt down
ASL Sentence TypesI
Declarative
Example:
Eng: I’m hungry.
ASL: HUNGRY ME
*NMGS = Non-Manual Grammatical
Signals
NMGS:
1. none