Facial expressions matter!

 


Hello there! Today I learned that facial expressions are part of the grammar structure in ASL. 

I learned that by watching this video on instagram: facial expressions in ASL

Facial expressions in American Sign Language are called non-manual markers, or NMMs. The word “non-manual” simply means they don’t use the hands. These markers include eyebrow movement, mouth shapes, cheek tension, head tilts, and even body posture. They are not decorations or extras. They change the meaning of a sentence the same way intonation changes meaning in spoken languages.

For example, if you sign the word quiet and add an exaggerated or intense facial expression, you’re telling your audience to be very quiet. The hands give the basic message, but the face shows the feeling, urgency, or attitude behind it.

What really fascinates me is how natural this feels once you notice it. In spoken language, we raise our voice, slow down, or stress certain words. In ASL, all of that happens visually. Your eyebrows might lift to ask a question. Your head might tilt to show doubt. Your mouth might show whether something is easy, hard, slow, or sudden.

Learning about NMMs made me realize that ASL isn’t just a language of the hands, it’s a language of the whole body. You don’t just sign ideas. You perform meaning.

And that’s what makes ASL so powerful. It reminds us that communication isn’t only about what we say, but how we express it. When we really pay attention to those details, language becomes richer, deeper, and more human.

I also learned more information from this site: The impact of facial expressions and body language in ASL

Did you know this? Isn't it amazing?

See you next week!:)

Comments

  1. Adriana’s WunderNotesJanuary 28, 2026 at 2:01 PM

    I assumed facial expressions were important, but i loved that you described it as a little performance.

    ReplyDelete

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