In the context of epistemic modality the current state of research shows an interesting relation between epistemic modality and use of the “space of thoughts”.

Concerning direct interaction in ÖGS the dialogue partners keep eye contact. Eye contact is kept no matter what the topic is – or if one of the dialogue partners is narrating for a longer time. However, for reasons of expressing signed lines of thoughts in ÖGS, the signer uses the so-called “space of thoughts”.

Looking upward (and using further indicators such as the index which is orientated towards a higher location and which may be produced in a higher position in the signing space) can be used to indicate a higher location in the signing space, the “space of thoughts”. By using the imagined space of thoughts, hypothetical trains of thoughts can be expressed.

With regard to “gaze” the signer either briefly looks at the space of thoughts when starting the hypothetical line of thoughts and then keeps eye contact with the dialogue partner, or the signer continuously or repeatedly looks to the space of thoughts while expressing the line of thoughts.