Corpus analysis on ÖGS show that yes-no questions, which frequently occur in dialogues, are frequently accompanied by headshakes (and head nods, respectively). However, the reason for these head movements is not to negate (or assert) the clause; rather the dialogue partner is prompt to affirm or negate the question. This is shown by the following example:
“Tomorrow will be a party in the club. Will you be there?” (Meaning somehow: “Do you come too?” In the first realization the clause which is underlined is accompanied by headshakes; in the second realization this clause is accompanied by head nods.) The question in this example is first accompanied by headshakes, then by head nods. These head movements does not negate or assert the clause; rather they prompt the dialogue partner to affirm or negate the question. In such instances both headshakes and head nods are used for the same purpose.