Assessing a proposition as very likely

A proposition – expressed within a hypothetical line of thoughts – is assessed as very likely due to the speaker’s/signer’s knowledge and/or past experiences.

Assessing a proposition in ÖGS as very likely can be expressed by the following non-manual means:

• Head nods performed in a convinced way
• Pushing the lips forward, frequently co-occurring with head nods described above
• Furrowing the eyebrows, frequently co-occurring with head nods described above

In order to assess a proposition - expressed within a hypothetical line of thoughts - as very likely, the proposition is constantly accompanied by the nonmanuals listed above.

The following examples are given to illustrate this type of epistemic modality:

1. I have known a particular person from former times who often played tennis. Based on this knowledge I am sure that this person can play tennis. (The statement that “this person can play tennis” [performed by the signs IX-Person PLAY-TENNIS IX-Person] is accompanied by the nonmanuals listed above.)
2. I know a particular person whose parents are Deaf. Based on this knowledge I am sure that this persons can sign. (The statement that “the person can sign” [performed by the signs IX-Person SIGN IX-Person] is accompanied by the nonmanuals listed above.)
3. When hiking in summer time, normally the Alpine inn is open. Based on this knowledge – that the Alpine inn is very likely open - I am sure that I will get something to eat and drink etc. at the Alpine inn. (The statement that “the Alpine inn is open” [performed by the signs I KNOW IX-alpine-inn OPPEN] is accompanied by the nonmanuals listed above.)
4. My son usually comes home from school at lunch time and rings the doorbell. The doorbell rings and it is lunch time. Based on my knowledge, I am sure that it is my son who rings at the doorbell. (The statement that “it is my son” [performed by the signs MY SON] is accompanied by the nonmanuals listed above.)