In ASL, what does NMS stand for?

• A. Non-Manual Signals
• B. Neural motor signals
• C. Non-symbolic signs
• D. Narrative markers

Answer: (A)

Non-Manual Signals refer to the facial expressions, head movements, eye gaze, and mouth shapes that accompany ASL signs to convey grammatical information and nuances beyond the hands. This is what NMS stands for. They play a crucial role in signaling question type (yes/no questions with raised eyebrows; wh- questions with lowered or furrowed brows), negation (head shake or specific mouth movements), and aspects of meaning or emphasis, helping to organize discourse and clarify the message. Without these cues, signs alone can be ambiguous. The other terms don’t fit: neural motor signals relate to brain activity, non-symbolic signs isn’t a standard ASL term, and narrative markers refer to storytelling devices rather than core ASL grammar signals.