What Are Non-Manual Markers in ASL?

People tend to associate ASL or any other sign language with handshapes and movements. But actually, non-manual markers (NNM) are one of the five parameters of signs. 

The hand does make up the main part of American Sign Language. But, there are other, less noticeable parameters of a sign in ASL that are just as important. 

We're referring to non-manual markers. 

Non-manual markers include facial expressions, head movements, eye gaze, and body language.

These markers are more important for constructing an ASL sentence than you might imagine. 

Moving your head a certain way or raising your eyebrows can completely change the meaning of a sentence. 

If you want to know more about non-manual markers in ASL and how they're used, keep reading. 

Non-Manual Markers in ASL

Non-manual markers are special elements of ASL that add meaning to a sentence. 

The most common non-manual markers include:

• Facial expressions (smiling or frowning)
• Head movements (nodding, shaking, tilting your head, etc.)
• Eyebrow movements (raised eyebrows or furrowed eyebrows)
• Shoulder movements (shoulder raise or shoulder shifting)
• Body movements (torso tilt or leaning forward)
• Eye movements (wide eyes or squinting eyes)

These movements convey vital grammatical details. More importantly, they have the power to modify the meaning of signs. 

They are crucial to the meaning of signed communication in ASL. 

They provide a range of linguistic functions. This is similar to how intonation and stress affect spoken languages. 

What Are Non-Manual Markers Used For?

Non-manual markers are used to express tone, mood, grammatical structures, and certain nuances of meaning.

Non-manual markers can be used to:

1. Form questions 
2. Create a negative sentence
3. Form a topic-comment structure
4. Put an emphasis on or intensify the meaning of a sentence
5. Convey emotions or an attitude toward something
6. Clarify the meaning of a sentence 
7. Ask a rhetorical question
8. Structure the timing and flow of signed sentences
9. Indicate shifts in perspective (role-shifting or quoting others in conversations)

As you can see, non-manual markers are very important for ASL. They add meaning to a sentence, and they can even change the meaning of some signs. 

For example, a head shake can indicate "no," "not," or other negative statements.

Head, shoulder, and body shifts can mean different speakers or perspectives in a conversation.

Raised eyebrows can introduce conditional phrases (e.g., "if" statements).

There are many ways to use non-manual markers in ASL. You just have to learn what each marker means.

How to Use Non-Manual Markers in ASL?

There are many different ways you can use non-manual markers in ASL. Here are some examples that might come in handy:

• Yes/No questions

While signing a yes/no question, raise your eyebrows and tilt your head forward slightly. You can also maintain eye contact while you ask the question. 

• Wh-questions

As you sign the wh-question, lower your eyebrows and tilt your head forward. Maintain this expression during the question.

• Negation

Shake your head from side to side while signing a negative phrase. This may be used with or without a manual negation sign like "NOT" or "NO."

• Topic-comment structure

When introducing the topic of a sentence, raise your eyebrows. After the topic is introduced, drop your eyebrows to neutral for the comment or explanation.

• Role-shifting

When taking on different roles (e.g., when quoting or telling a story with different characters), shift your head or shoulders to one side to indicate one speaker. Then, shift the other way for the other speaker.

• Conditionals ("if" statements)

When stating a condition (e.g., "If it rains..."), raise your eyebrows as you sign the conditional phrase. Once you transition to the outcome, return your eyebrows to neutral or normal expression.

• Emphasis and Intensity

Modify your facial expression or body movements to match the intensity or emotion of what you are signing. Exaggerate expressions for strong emphasis (e.g., "very big") or tone them down for subtle emphasis.

How to Learn to Use Non-Manual Markers in ASL?

Non-manual markers are one of the parameters of creating a sign. So, if you're learning a sign, it's implied that you are also learning non-manual markers. 

You can start by learning the most basic non-manual markers. These could be raised eyebrows, head movements, facial expressions, etc. 

Regular practice is key. You can practice using non-manual markers in front of the mirror. 

Check if your facial expressions and head movements match the intended meaning of your signs. 

This helps build awareness and control over your non-manual signals.

There are many resources and tools you can use to master non-manual markers. For example:

1. Online videos
2. ASL apps
3. ASL dictionaries
4. ASL learning platforms
5. Youtube channels
6. Online ASL classes

Practice using non-manual markers with a signing partner, tutor, or ASL instructor. 

Ask them to provide feedback on your use of non-manual markers and guide you in correcting any mistakes.

Make non-manual marker practice a part of your daily routine. Practice signing while incorporating them into every sentence, whether it's in a conversation or during individual drills.

Master Non-Manual Markers with ASL Bloom

If you're just starting your ASL journey, you need a reliable ASL app to learn as effectively as you can. 

ASL Bloom makes learning American Sign Language a fun and enjoyable process. 

With ASL Bloom, you will get to learn sign language through:

• Daily lessons
• A visual dictionary with all signs across the lessons
• Different modules with 120 lessons and 1300 signs and sentences
• Interactive learning tools
• Practice quizzes and real-life dialogues

ASL Bloom doesn't only offer simple lessons for learning basic signs. You can also watch video lessons with native signers, where you can see how non-manual markers are used.

This gives you an opportunity to see how an ASL conversation works in real life. 

You can also collect points for your streak with each lesson you complete, whether it's a new lesson or a practice session. 

You can do all of this and more for free. It doesn't cost anything to download ASL Bloom on your phone. 

ASL Bloom is available on the App Store and Google Play. 

You can also read our Bloom blog for more interesting articles about American Sign Language.