As a novice signer, your first step toward acquiring the important elements of facial expressions and nonmanual behaviors begins right here, with the two categories of questions. Your first attempts will feel awkward. Be assured that this feeling is quite normal. The skill of applying facial expression and nonmanual behaviors will gradually build and develop naturally as you further your studies in sign language.

Keep in mind that you are in the early chapters of this book. There will be many chances in the following chapters for you to build your skills in sign language.

Wh- Word Questions

When asking a wh- word question, do the following:

• Furrow your eyebrows together

• Tilt your head forward

• Make direct eye contact

• Hold your last sign

Yes-No Questions

When asking a yes-no question, do the following:

• Raise your eyebrows to widen your eyes

• Tilt your head slightly forward

• Make direct eye contact

• Hold the last sign in your sentence

Occasionally, a yes-no question is accompanied by a question mark, as seen in the following example:

QUES TION MARK: Use your index finger and trace a question mark exactly as you would write it.