In American Sign Language, raising eyebrows has many functions. It can be used to ask yes/no. You can set context when telling a story. With lowered eyebrows you turn a "w" word (who/what/when etc.) into a question.
But also, you use this more then you realize regardless of your language. If you lock eyes with a stranger at a bar then raise eyebrows, it means "you interested?" In regular conversation it means "are you serious?" or "wow!" depending on context. At a party it might be how you ask your friend across the room if they're ready to leave or if they're feeling safe.
As an autistic person, learning the syntactical rules of ASL eyebrow usage explicitly had a very real side effect of several "ohhhh" moments about eyebrow usage in casual conversation.
11 Comments
expatriado@lemmy.world · 20 pts · 74d
i am more high effort; chin up and down 2 cm
TwoTiredMice@feddit.dk · 17 pts · 74d
How many of you raised your eye brows after seeing this, or was it only me?
KoboldCoterie@pawb.social · 7 pts · 74d
Well of course. You have to test it out and see if it feels like something you do. It's the law.
ClockworkOtter@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 74d
Just one eyebrow
ruuster13@lemmy.zip · 8 pts · 74d
In American Sign Language, raising eyebrows has many functions. It can be used to ask yes/no. You can set context when telling a story. With lowered eyebrows you turn a "w" word (who/what/when etc.) into a question.
But also, you use this more then you realize regardless of your language. If you lock eyes with a stranger at a bar then raise eyebrows, it means "you interested?" In regular conversation it means "are you serious?" or "wow!" depending on context. At a party it might be how you ask your friend across the room if they're ready to leave or if they're feeling safe.
pomegranatefern@sh.itjust.works · 3 pts · 74d
As an autistic person, learning the syntactical rules of ASL eyebrow usage explicitly had a very real side effect of several "ohhhh" moments about eyebrow usage in casual conversation.
gezero@sopuli.xyz · 7 pts · 74d
Slightly longer blink that would happen anyway joined with an unnoticeable nod....
saltnotsugar@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 74d
I do the Oxford eyebrows (2 raises). The Stanford eyebrows (3 raises) is a bit much. Not trying to get laid here.
itsjustachairmary@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 73d
When I don't have hands to shake because I am two eyebrows
its_kim_love@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 4 pts · 74d
Ever since COVID shaking hands feels wrong.
Diplomjodler3@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 73d
One eyebrow is all you get from me.