Head Movements and Negation in Greek Sign Language

t. This paper is part of a study examining how negation is marked in Greek Sign Language (GSL). Head movements which are reported to mark negation in other sign languages have been examined to see if they are also used in GSL. Of particular interest is the analysis of the backward tilt of the head which is distinct for marking negation in GSL. Introduction. Backwards tilt of the head seems to operate in GSL as an analogue of the headshake in other sign languages. Headshake is one of the most frequently reported head movements used in sign languages. A headshake can be used to negate a sentence or a single sign. It is often accompanied by negation facial expression which means a) wrinkling the nose, b) raising the upper lip, c) depressing the lip corners and d) raising the chin and so on. The use of headshake as a negation marker has been reported in American Sign Language, British Sign Language, Swedish Sign Language, Sign Language of the Netherlands, Argentinean Sign Language, Brazilian Sign Language, Chilean Sign Language and International Signs. Additionally, Sutton-Spence and Woll (1999) note that in BSL, a ‘negation turn’ of the head is used by signers. In this head movement the head makes a half turn which accompanies a negation sign but is not used to negate a whole sentence. A pilot study was carried out in order to confirm these observations. Three Deaf informants were videotaped in free conversation, a structured ‘interview’ and signing