Facial expressions make a world of difference, not only in sign language but also in everyday conversations. A simple frown or a tilt of the head can change or enhance conversations. In sign language, facial expressions are a part of nonmanual behaviors. In other words, they are not signs.

You can compare nonmanual behaviors to a person's mannerisms. These types of mannerisms simply happen and one doesn't think about them to produce them. The novice signer often has difficulty applying facial expressions and nonmanual behaviors because at first they seem extreme. However, if you were to videotape a natural conversation, you would see that facial expressions occur throughout a conversation.

For example, consider the case of a friend telling you that another friend had been in a car accident. Your reply might be, “What! Is he okay?” Your natural expression for “What!” would likely be a look of shock. Your eyes would widen, and your head might tip forward or back. The second part, “Is he okay?” might be accompanied by an expression of concern. These types of everyday facial expressions occur naturally. You apply them constantly without even thinking.

In Chapter 6, you were introduced to facial expressions that accompany the “wh-” words. In Chapter 7, you learned how to sign words that express emotion and, at the same time, how to apply the appropriate degree of facial expression. Now it's time to try a few more. View the following images, and note the facial expressions of the model. Then try it. Remember, you already know how to smile, frown, or look grouchy. The goal with these images is to sign each one with the appropriate facial expression.

SORRY: Rotate the “A” hand clockwise in the middle of your chest. A slight tilt of your head, a small, sheepish smile, or a little pouty smile are good facial expressions for this sign.

SHY: Brush the back of the fingers of the “bent” hand against the cheek in a forward arc movement. Enhance this sign by having a bowed head and eyes downward.

CRY, TEAR: Draw the index fingers down your cheeks beneath your eyes several times. To demonstrate one tear, use only one finger. Variations: Draw both “four” handshapes down your cheeks beneath the eyes several times. This shows an abundance of tears, adding emotional depth to the sign. This version would be the equivalent of “sobbing.” Add a pouting or sorrowful facial expression to enhance this sign.

FEAR, AFRAID: Holding both “S” hands on the sides of your body, thrust the hands to an “open five” in front of your body. The sign for fear is enhanced by the degree of intensity on your face. Your eyes should be widened and your mouth open.

JEALOUS, ENVY: Twist your pinky forward near the corner of your mouth. Add a facial expression of squinting eyes and pursed lips. Variation: To sign “envy,” twist the index finger forward near the corner of the mouth.

EMBARRASSED: Move “open five” hands up and down alternately in front of your face. Tilt your head and add a sheepish smile. Variation: To sign “blush” move both “bent” hands up the sides of your face. Both versions can be used with shrugged shoulders and a head tilt.