A Brief History of American Sign Language: When Was It Invented?

Introduction

American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language used by the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities in the United States and other parts of the world. It is composed of hand shapes, facial expressions, body movements, and gestures that are combined to form words and sentences. ASL is a unique language with its own syntax and grammar, and although it shares some similarities with spoken English, it is not derived from English or any other spoken language.

The purpose of this article is to explore the origins of ASL, who invented it and when, and how it has been recognized as an independent language over time.

Exploring the Origins of ASL

The exact origins of ASL are unknown, but it is believed to have developed from the combination of various sign languages used in Europe during the 18th century. According to research conducted by linguist William Stokoe, ASL originated in France in the early 19th century. He noted that “French Sign Language was brought to the United States in 1817 by Laurent Clerc, a young deaf teacher from Paris” (Stokoe, 1960). Clerc taught ASL to students at the first school for the deaf in the United States, the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut.

Since then, ASL has evolved and changed over time, with new signs being added and old ones disappearing. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, ASL has become more standardized over the years due to the development of dictionaries, textbooks, and other educational materials (NIDCD, 2017).

Recognition of ASL as a Language

In the late 1960s, ASL began to be recognized as a legitimate language. William Stokoe, mentioned earlier, was one of the first to recognize ASL as a language, and he published the first dictionary of ASL in 1965. This was followed by the establishment of the National Association of the Deaf in 1967, which provided a platform for the promotion of ASL as a language, and the formation of the Linguistic Society of America in 1969.

In 1988, the Babbidge Report officially recognized ASL as a language. The report concluded that “ASL is a fully developed language with its own syntax and grammar, and should be considered a foreign language for the purpose of instruction” (Babbidge Report, 1988). Since then, ASL has become increasingly accepted and recognized as a legitimate language.

Impact on Deaf Communities

The recognition of ASL as a legitimate language has had a positive impact on the Deaf community. It has given them a sense of pride and identity, as well as a way to communicate with each other without relying on spoken language. In addition, the use of ASL has allowed for greater accessibility for the Deaf community, as ASL can be used to communicate with non-signers through the use of interpreters or video phones.

However, there are still many challenges faced by the Deaf community due to the lack of understanding and acceptance of ASL. Many people are unaware of the complexity of the language, and there is still a stigma attached to it. Furthermore, ASL is not widely taught in schools, which limits access to education and employment opportunities for the Deaf community.

Conclusion

American Sign Language has come a long way since it was first introduced in the early 19th century. Through the work of linguists and members of the Deaf community, ASL has been recognized as a legitimate language, giving the Deaf community a sense of pride and identity. Despite this progress, there are still many challenges faced by the Deaf community due to the lack of understanding and acceptance of ASL. It is important to continue to raise awareness about ASL and the issues faced by the Deaf community.

We must all strive to create an inclusive and accessible environment for the Deaf community, so that they can fully participate in society and have equal access to education and employment opportunities. Only then can we truly recognize and appreciate the beauty of American Sign Language.