In Units 1–6, you might get away with a "stone face" while signing. In , your grade depends on your facial expressions.
In ASL, your face functions as your grammar. Without Non-Manual Signals (NMS), your signing lacks context, intensity, and emotion. In Unit 11, NMS is critical for showing the severity of illnesses. signing naturally 1011
: A Deaf couple with a three-year-old daughter. Melvin has known the family since the daughter was born. The Situation In Units 1–6, you might get away with
You move from simple "left/right" to "Mapping." You learn to visualize a physical space and describe it so the viewer can "see" the room or building in their mind. Melvin has known the family since the daughter was born
Furrow your eyebrows, lean forward, and hold the last sign.
This is the most crucial skill in these units to distinguish between speakers.
Spatial agreement and role-shifting (body agreement). You physically shift your torso to take on the perspective of different characters in a story. Part 2: Intermediate Communication (Units 7–11)