How to Use Facial Expressions in American Sign Language

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Facial expressions are imperative in American Sign Language. They distinguish a question asked: whether it's a who, what, when, where, and why question or a yes or no question. They also provide the adjectives and descriptive elements in the language. To not use facial expressions while signing would be similar to a person speaking in a muffled, monotone voice. Use facial expressions to prevent confusion or misunderstandings.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Your Eyebrows

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  • It might sound silly to a non-signer but you are only signing statements until you learn to use the very important tool you were born with- your eyebrows. There are two movements with the eyebrows you need to remember and practice.
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    • (raise eyebrows) Sign- Want ice cream
    • The raised eyebrows provides the question mark to your statement, making it become a question.
    • If you did not raise your eyebrows, then you are saying you want ice cream.
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    Furrowed eyebrows represent who, what, when, where, why, how.
    • (furrowed eyebrows) sign - Bathroom.
    • Now, because you've furrowed your eyebrows, a person knows that you are asking where a bathroom is located. If you did not, then it would seem as though you are telling someone about the bathroom, and people might wait for you to have more to share.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Your Mouth

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  • The mouth depicts a lot of the visual adjectives grammatically in American Sign Language.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Your Cheeks

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    • If you blow out your cheeks and keep the air inside while closing your lips, it can communicate the concepts of "I didn't say anything", "I didn't tell anything", or "I have nothing more to say".
    • If you blow out your cheeks and then release the air through your lips slowly it can show frustration, struggle, and/or disapproval.
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    • If you suck in your cheeks as your lips are sucking in air, (as if you are sucking on an imaginary straw) while you sign skinny or small - it is made clear that it is incredibly small, extremely skinny, or super thin.
    • If you suck in your checks and do not suck in or blow out air, then you could visually describe an animal with narrow features, or an airhead.
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      Tips

      • Try to be as animated as possible.
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      • Keep in mind too that spoken languages have verbal influxes, therefore those influxes still need to appear in American Sign Language visually.
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      • Remember that American Sign Language relies on visual communicating information. Its important to include as many details as you can.
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