A Grammar of German Sign Language (DGS)

1.2.1.1. Non-manual markers in polar interrogatives

Polar interrogatives in DGS are most of the time accompanied by raised eyebrows, head forward position and sometimes by a slight forward body lean. These non-manual elements are used throughout the whole sentence, as shown in example a. Further possible non-manual markers in these types of sentences are furrowed eyebrows over the whole phrase, semantically adding a notion of disbelief or surprise to the question (example b). This non-manual marking is also used to clarify, whether something was correctly understood or not.

a. ix₁ exam pass

‘Did I pass the exam?’

b. ix₁ exam pass

‘Did I (really) pass the exam?’

List of editors

Sina Proske, Derya Nuhbalaoglu, Annika Herrmann, Jana Hosemann & Markus Steinbach

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Bibliographical reference for citation

The entire grammar:
Sina Proske, Derya Nuhbalaoglu, Annika Herrmann, Jana Hosemann & Markus Steinbach (eds.). 2020. A Grammar of German Sign Language (DGS). 1st ed. (SIGN-HUB Sign Language Grammar Series). (http://thesignhub.eu/grammar/dgs) (Accessed 31-10-2021)

A chapter:
Smith, Mary. 2020. Syntax: 3. Coordination and Subordination. In Sina Proske, Derya Nuhbalaoglu, Annika Herrmann, Jana Hosemann and Markus Steinbach (eds.), A Grammar of German Sign Language (DGS). 1st ed. (SIGN-HUB Sign Language Grammar Series), 230-237. ((https://thesignhub.eu/grammar/dgs) (Accessed 31-10-2021)

A section:
Smith, Mary. 2020. Phonology: 1.1.1.2. Finger configuration. In Sina Proske, Derya Nuhbalaoglu, Annika Herrmann, Jana Hosemann and Markus Steinbach (eds.), A Grammar of German Sign Language (DGS). 1st ed. (SIGN-HUB Sign Language Grammar Series), 230-237. (http://thesignhub.eu/grammar/dgs) (Accessed 31-10-2021)