3.5.1.3.1. Non-manual markers and their properties in counterfactual conditionals

The non-manuals marking counterfactual conditionals are the same used in factual conditionals: raised eyebrows (re), chin down (cd) at the end of the antecedent clause, a signing pause and eye blink between the antecedent and the consequent clause and, optionally, body lean forward (bl-f) over the antecedent clause. They only mark the antecedent clause. As in factual conditional clauses, the consequent clause is not marked by specific non-manual markers.

         The example below shows the occurrence and spreading of non-manual markers in counterfactual conditional clauses.

 

 

 

                                               cd

                                           bl-f

                                              re

         ix1 president france presidenta ixa japan ix1 1meeta

         â€˜If I were the French president, I would meet the Japanese president.’