1. Grammatical Information:
* Facial expressions convey grammatical information such as negation, questions, emphasis, and the type of verb being used.
* Head movements can indicate tense, agreement, and direction.
* Eye gaze can further specify the direction of action or the recipient of a sign.
2. Clarity and Nuance:
* Facial expressions can add nuance and emotion to signs, making the meaning clearer.
* Head movements can emphasize the message and provide context.
* Eye gaze helps focus the receiver's attention and ensures the message is understood.
3. Non-Verbal Communication:
* Facial expressions and head movements also convey non-verbal information like emotion, attitude, and intent.
* Eye contact is essential for maintaining engagement and communication flow.
Example:
The sign "LOVE" can be modified with different facial expressions to convey:
* Love: a smiling face with a slight tilt of the head
* Hate: a furrowed brow and a negative head shake
* Dislike: a frown and a slight shake of the head
Conclusion:
Facial expressions, head movements, and eye gaze are not just "extra" in ASL. They are intrinsic to the language and essential for conveying meaning, grammar, nuance, and non-verbal communication.