1.4.2. Non-manual marking

In LIS, some non-manuals can also contribute in distinguishing specificity from non-specificity. In particular, raised eyebrows (re), wide-open eyes (we), and relaxed mouth-corners together with a backward head tilt (ht-b) may trigger a specific interpretation, namely the signer is talking about a discourse referent that she bears in mind.

 

 

 

                       ht-b

                        we

                          re

         persona ixa friendbseizea

         โ€˜A person (I know who) kidnapped a friend of mine.โ€™

 

As for non-specificity, the facial expressions accompanying non-specific reading corresponds to those used for indicating indefiniteness, basically they are a backward tilted head (ht-b) and mouth-corners down (md).

 

 

 

                    md

                   ht-b

         someonea ixb friendb ixb carb possbseizea

         โ€˜Someone (I donโ€™t know who) stole the car of a friend of mine.โ€™