Assertion / Asserting

Asserting a statement means that somebody clarifies that a proposition is correct and true. In order to assert a proposition in Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS), a signer can produce head nodding movements which accompany the proposition. However, head nods can also bear a function different from pure assertion. In order to express positive-negative contrast of two consecutive clauses, the positive connoted clause can be accompanied by nodding movements. Also in dialogues head nods frequently occur. In such contexts the nodding movements are used to confirm a statement and to agree with a statement.

Detailed information and examples are to be found in the following subchapters.

a.) Clause assertion
• • Context 1
  • Context 2
  • Context 3
  • Context 4
  • Context 5
• b.) Negative - positive
• c.) Affirming