3.5.1.1. The role of non-manual markers in conditional sentences
Conditional sentences are marked by different non-manual markers. In DGS, the most common non-manuals to mark conditional clauses are raised eyebrows and head movements. They spread over the antecedent and are obligatory. Other non-manuals, such as eye gaze and body shift, can also accompany conditionals in DGS. In DGS, there is typically a complete change of non-manuals occurring on the antecedent and the consequence. The consequence is either accompanied by neutralized facial expressions or the non-manuals occurring on the consequence show the opposite marking compared to the non-manuals on the antecedent. For instance, there is head tilt downwards on the antecedent and a head tilt upwards on the consequence or a body lean from right to left. Antecedent and consequence are separated by a short pause and frequently by an eye blink. Manual signs used to introduce the antecedent or the consequence are optional.
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant Agreement No 693349.