3.5.1.1. The role of non-manual markers in conditional sentences
Conditional sentences are marked by different non-manual markers. In DGS, the most common non-manuals to mark conditional clauses are raised eyebrows and head movements. They spread over the antecedent and are obligatory. Other non-manuals, such as eye gaze and body shift, can also accompany conditionals in DGS. In DGS, there is typically a complete change of non-manuals occurring on the antecedent and the consequence. The consequence is either accompanied by neutralized facial expressions or the non-manuals occurring on the consequence show the opposite marking compared to the non-manuals on the antecedent. For instance, there is head tilt downwards on the antecedent and a head tilt upwards on the consequence or a body lean from right to left. Antecedent and consequence are separated by a short pause and frequently by an eye blink. Manual signs used to introduce the antecedent or the consequence are optional.