American Sign Language History

🌟 What is American Sign Language (ASL)?

Before delving into history, let’s set the stage with some key insights. ASL is a complete, visual language primarily used by the Deaf and hard of hearing community in the United States and parts of Canada. It’s a language celebrated for its complexity, and it’s recognized as a distinct language in its own right.

📜 A Glimpse into ASL’s Storied History of Origins Traced Back to the 19th Century:

ASL’s historical roots can be traced to the early 19th century, where it emerged as a distinct language from various sign languages brought to the United States by Deaf immigrants. Martha’s Vineyard Sign Language and French Sign Language significantly influenced its formation. The 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed the rise of Deaf schools, which played a pivotal role in shaping ASL. These schools became epicenters of Deaf culture, fostering ASL’s development as students contributed to its vocabulary and syntax.

🎩 Laurent Clerc, often referred to as the “Father of Deaf Education in America,” was a Deaf Frenchman who played a monumental role in ASL’s history. He arrived in the United States in 1816 and, alongside Thomas Gallaudet, founded the first American school for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut. Clerc’s tireless dedication to education paved the way for the spread of ASL and Deaf culture in the United States.

🎩 Abbe Charles-Michel de l’Epée, a French priest, made indelible contributions to the development of sign language. In the late 18th century, he established the first free public school for the Deaf in Paris, where he developed a system of signs to teach Deaf students. His work laid the foundation for modern sign languages, including ASL.

🏫 Founding of the First American School for the Deaf:

In 1817, the first American School for the Deaf (ASD) was founded in Hartford, Connecticut, by two pioneers in Deaf education: Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. Thomas Gallaudet was a hearing educator from the United States who was deeply committed to providing quality education to Deaf students. He traveled to Europe to learn about Deaf education methods and met Laurent Clerc, a Deaf teacher from France who was a master of French Sign Language (LSF). Together, they returned to the United States to establish American School for the Deaf (ASD).

🎓 The Legacy of Thomas Gallaudet:

Thomas Gallaudet’s dedication to Deaf education did not end with the founding of ASD. His work laid the foundation for the American approach to Deaf education and the recognition of American Sign Language (ASL). His son, Edward Miner Gallaudet, continued his legacy by becoming the first president of the Columbia Institution for the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind in Washington, D.C., which later became Gallaudet University.

🎩 Abraham Lincoln’s Role:

In 1864, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln signed a charter granting the institution in Washington, D.C., known as the Columbia Institution, the authority to confer college degrees. This pivotal moment transformed the institution into Gallaudet College, making it the first institution of higher education for Deaf students in the world. President Lincoln’s support symbolized the recognition of Deaf individuals’ right to higher education and paved the way for greater opportunities.

🏛️ Gallaudet University Today:

Gallaudet University has continued to evolve and thrive. It remains the world’s only university specifically designed to provide comprehensive education and support for Deaf and hard of hearing students. Its mission extends beyond academics; it is a vibrant center of Deaf culture, advocacy, and innovation.

American Sign Language (ASL) has expanded significantly over the years, evolving from its early roots in the 19th century to becoming a vibrant, recognized language today. It originally developed from various sign languages brought to the United States by Deaf immigrants. The establishment of the first American School for the Deaf in 1817 by Thomas Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc marked a turning point, where ASL began to flourish and develop its own distinct vocabulary and syntax. ASL was embraced by Deaf communities and Deaf schools across the country, fostering its growth and preservation. Despite historical challenges and attempts to suppress it, ASL gained recognition as a legitimate language, with a rich cultural heritage. In recent decades, advocacy efforts, legal recognition, and technological advancements have further propelled ASL’s expansion, making it an integral part of Deaf culture and an essential means of communication for millions of individuals worldwide.

🌍 Join Us on This Enlightening Journey:

As we explore ASL’s history with a focus on Clerc and de l’Epée, we invite you to join us in celebrating this remarkable language and the resilient Deaf community it represents. Whether you’re considering learning ASL, aiming to deepen your understanding, or simply appreciate the cultural richness it brings, ASLTrainer.com is your trusted ally.

Stay tuned for more data-driven insights into ASL, practical tips for learning, and inspiring stories from our ASL learners in upcoming newsletters.

Thank you for being an integral part of our ASLtrainer community and for embracing the incredible history of American Sign Language.

Source:

Groce, N. E. (1985). Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language: Hereditary Deafness on Martha’s Vineyard. Harvard University Press.)

Padden, C. A., & Humphries, T. (2005). Inside Deaf Culture. Harvard University Press.)