Intermediate
Brow Furrow for WH Focus
Furrowed brows show that you need information. The furrow may spread over the question or become strongest on the WH sign.
All grammar lessons
Learn It
Start with the simple version, then practice it with real signs.
A furrowed brow tells the other person you are asking for information.
In simple questions, keep the furrow clear and natural.
When the WH sign is the most important part, the face may become strongest right there.
Try It
Practice slowly. Make the face before the sentence is over.
- Sign WHO with a strong but natural furrow.
- Sign YOU SEE WHO? and make the furrow strongest on WHO.
- Try a double WH pattern: WHO YOU SEE WHO? Keep the question face connected.
Simple Examples
Read the ASL line first, then check the meaning and face cue.
YOU SEE WHO?Who did you see?The furrow points to the missing information.WHO YOU SEE WHO?Who did you see?Some ASL questions repeat the WH sign for emphasis.
Common Mistake
Do not make the furrow so intense that it looks angry unless the sentence is actually emotional.
A little more grammar
The PDF links brow furrow to [+wh] features. In plain language, the furrow marks the sentence as asking for missing information.