How to Negate in ASL

ASL is a complex language with a formal syntax.

In American Sign Language, negation can be a complex and confusing concept, but it doesn't have to be. By learning a few simple language concepts, a signer can fluidly incorporate negation, both in saying "no" and in expressing the opposite of concepts in conversation. When using ASL, it is always important to use the correct negation non-manual markers.

Instructions

1. Non-linguistic negation is probably both the easiest and most used form of negation in ASL. This includes head shaking and frowning. It is important to remember the eyebrows-down furrowing while signing. Any simple sentence can be negated with this method. Non-linguistic negation takes place throughout the entire clause of an ASL sentence. A topic cannot be negated in this way.

2. Sign reversal is another kind of ASL negation. Signs such as "like" and "want" are negated in this manner. Another type of sign reversal is to sign the word and then quickly "throw it away" by pushing it out of the signing space. The signing space is the area from chest to the top of the head and shoulder to shoulder in which the majority of ASL conversation takes place. Sign reversal is used with verbs.

3. The "not" sign can be added where grammatically applicable within a sentence or at the end. The "not" sign can be combined with a single head shake to strongly profess the invalidity of the statement. "Not" negates a verb in ASL. In instances of quantity and possession, the "none" sign is used. Both signs are often used with wh- questions and rhetorical questions. "Don't, "can't" and "won't" are also used in this manner.

   Examples:

   FEEL GOOD, NOT.

   WORK TODAY, NO.

   SHOPPING TODAY, CAN'T. WHY? MONEY HAVE NONE.

4. "No," like "not," can be placed grammatically within a sentence to negate the statement. The clause of a sentence can be negated by placing the "no" at the end. It is important to note that in ASL syntax, this form of negation is always used at the end.

   Example:

   MOVIE GOOD? NO.

References

• Florida State University ASL III: Syntax
• Florida Interpreter for the Deaf Practice Test