1.2.3.1. Non-manual markers in content interrogatives
Content interrogatives of DGS are typically marked non-manually with furrowed eyebrows and a slight head tilt forward, sometimes accompanied by a forward body lean for stronger emphasis.
These non-manual markings usually spread throughout the whole content interrogative. But it is also possible that non-manual markers spread only over the wh-sign at the end of the interrogative phrase, when the wh-sign is positioned at the end of the phrase.
wh
topic what
‘What is the topic?’
In some cases, raised eyebrows can also accompany content interrogatives, changing the meaning to a notion of disbelief. In these cases, the function of the interrogative sentence is not to get an answer to what is questioned, but rather showing that one can’t believe a specific information about participants or settings, that has already been shared.
re
election win who
‘Who won the election?!’
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant Agreement No 693349.