Brow Raise for Topics, If, and Describing
Raised eyebrows are not only for yes/no questions. They can also set up a topic, an if idea, or a noun you are describing.
Learn It
Start with the simple version, then practice it with real signs.
A raised brow can tell the viewer, "Here is the topic. Now I will say something about it."
It can also mark the if part of a sentence, like IF RAIN, GAME CANCEL.
For beginners, think of raised brows as a way to set up information before the main point.
Try It
Practice slowly. Make the face before the sentence is over.
- Sign BOOK, ME READ. Raise your brows on BOOK, then relax for ME READ.
- Sign IF RAIN, GAME CANCEL. Raise your brows during IF RAIN.
- Try pointing to an object with raised brows, then explain something about it.
Simple Examples
Read the ASL line first, then check the meaning and face cue.
BOOK, ME READ.As for the book, I read it.Raised brows mark BOOK as the topic.IF RAIN, GAME CANCEL.If it rains, the game is canceled.Raised brows mark the if part.Common Mistake
Do not keep the brow raise forever. Use it for the setup part, then return to the face needed for the main sentence.
A little more grammar
The PDF describes this as a [-wh] operator. Learners do not need that term at first. The useful idea is that raised brows can restrict or set up what the next information is about.