How to Use Facial Expressions in American Sign Language

Last Updated: September 11, 2018

Facial expressions are imperative in American Sign Language. They distinguish a question asked: whether it's a who, what, when, where, and why question or a yes or no question. They also provide the adjectives and descriptive elements in the language. To not use facial expressions while signing would be similar to a person speaking in a muffled, monotone voice. Use facial expressions to prevent confusion or misunderstandings.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Your Eyebrows

It might sound silly to a non-signer but you are only signing statements until you learn to use the very important tool you were born with- your eyebrows. There are two movements with the eyebrows you need to remember and practice.

1
Raising your eyebrows to mean you are asking a yes or no question.
- (raise eyebrows) Sign- Want ice cream
- The raised eyebrows provides the question mark to your statement, making it become a question.
- If you did not raise your eyebrows, then you are saying you want ice cream.
2
Lower your eyebrows to ask a W-question. Furrowed eyebrows represent who, what, when, where, why, how.
- (furrowed eyebrows) sign - Bathroom.
- Now, because you've furrowed your eyebrows, a person knows that you are asking where a bathroom is located. If you did not, then it would seem as though you are telling someone about the bathroom, and people might wait for you to have more to share.
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3
Practice your eyebrow movements in a private mirror where you will not be judged.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Your Mouth

The mouth depicts a lot of the visual adjectives grammatically in American Sign Language.

1
Use the CH mouth shape is used to express how massive something is, or how big a body is.
2
Use the O mouth shape while sucking in air to express how thin or skinny something is.
3
Use the O mouth shape while blowing out air to express things like frustration, outrage, or relief.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Your Cheeks

1
Blow out your checks to show a heavier body size, depict emotions, or describe animals (like a monkey).
- If you blow out your cheeks and keep the air inside while closing your lips, it can communicate the concepts of "I didn't say anything", "I didn't tell anything", or "I have nothing more to say".
- If you blow out your cheeks and then release the air through your lips slowly it can show frustration, struggle, and/or disapproval.
2
Suck in your cheeks to show skinny weight, describe something as small or meek, or describe animals (like a fish).
- If you suck in your cheeks as your lips are sucking in air, (as if you are sucking on an imaginary straw) while you sign skinny or small - it is made clear that it is incredibly small, extremely skinny, or super thin.
- If you suck in your checks and do not suck in or blow out air, then you could visually describe an animal with narrow features, or an airhead.