How to Use Facial Expressions in American Sign Language

Facial expressions and head movement can completely change what a sign translates into. When reading signs, people focus much more on reading the face and overall body language than they do on reading the other's hands. Movements of the eyebrows, lips and mouth show proper grammar aspects in American Sign Language. Read on to learn how to use facial expressions in American Sign Language.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Convey signs of emotion with the appropriate expression on your face. Sadness or happiness should be clearly seen in your features with a frown, lowered eyes or a smile and positive head nods. Frown or shake your head, or pucker your lips when you sign about something negative.

2. Show that you are signing a question by lifting your eyebrows and making your eyes wide. This is an indicator for a question the same as speakers of English let their voices lift at the end of the sentence. A question can also be asked in sign language by tilting your body slightly forward as if in waiting for a response.

3. Give signs like "beautiful," "love," "size" and "strength" different meanings by how much or little you exaggerate the animation on your face. For example, you may show how much you "love" someone by gently crossing your hands over your chest, or really "love" them so much more as your face lights up and you clasp your hands more forcefully against your chest.

4. Sign words such as "tired" with the entire face and body sagging or "strong" by throwing your chest forward and your facial expression in a fierce show of strength.