PocketSign
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 NMM Basics lessons
ASL signer emphasizing a WH question with furrowed eyebrows

Watch First

Use these short PocketSign clips to see the movement before you practice.

WH question browsWatch how lowered eyebrows mark questions that ask for specific information.
Transcript

For our WH questions, you want to make sure your eyebrows are lowered. For detailed questions, as if you are focusing on specific information.

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.

  1. Sign with a strong but natural furrow.
  2. Sign ? and make the furrow strongest on .
  3. Try a double pattern: ? Keep the question face connected.

Simple Examples

Read the ASL line first. A dark green pill names what your face or head is doing.

ASL line ? furrowed brows
MeaningWho did you see?
TipThe furrow points to the missing information.
Face actionfurrowed browsUse a WH furrow and make it strongest on WHO.
ASL line ? connected furrow
MeaningWho did you see?
TipSome ASL questions repeat the WH sign for emphasis.
Face actionconnected furrowKeep the furrow connected across both WHO signs.

Common Mistake

Do not make the furrow so intense that it looks angry unless the sentence is actually emotional.

Deeper Note

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.