Negation and Affirmation
Let your head and face show yes, no, and not.
Practice the ASL headshake for negation, the headnod for affirmation, and the timing that keeps facial grammar connected to the signs it changes.
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Learn by doing first.Each lesson starts with a short PocketSign video or simple explanation, then gives you beginner examples to copy.
Build in order.Start with headshake and headnod. Then practice timing, manual negative signs, and sentence emphasis.
Lessons 1 to 3
Start with head movement and timing
Learn the basic no and yes head movements, then practice making the face and hands happen together.
01Headshake NegationIn ASL, a side-to-side headshake with a clear negative face can make a sentence mean not, no, or do not.Start lesson
Headnod AffirmationA headnod can confirm a statement, answer yes, or show that the signer is strongly affirming the idea.Start lesson
Face and Hands TogetherThe face or head movement must happen at the same time as the signs it changes. Timing is the grammar.Start lesson
Headshake NegationIn ASL, a side-to-side headshake with a clear negative face can make a sentence mean not, no, or do not.Start lesson
02Headnod AffirmationA headnod can confirm a statement, answer yes, or show that the signer is strongly affirming the idea.Start lesson
03Face and Hands TogetherThe face or head movement must happen at the same time as the signs it changes. Timing is the grammar.Start lesson
Lesson 4
Add negative signs and emphasis
Use this after the headshake feels natural, especially for NOT, CAN'T, DON'T-WANT, DON'T-KNOW, and end-position emphasis.
Ready to practice negation?
Begin with headshake negation, then add headnod affirmation and timing practice.