Introduction
American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, complex language that employs signs made by moving the hands combined with facial expressions and postures of the body. It is the primary language of many North Americans who are deaf and is one of several communication options used by people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. This article delves into the fascinating evolution of ASL.
Early Influences
French Sign Language (LSF)
The origins of ASL can be traced back to the early 19th century in France with French Sign Language, or ‘Langue des Signes Française’ (LSF). Laurent Clerc, a Deaf educator, and Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, brought LSF to the United States, which heavily influenced the formation of ASL.
Native American Signs
In addition to LSF, ASL was also influenced by local sign languages, including various Native American sign systems. These indigenous sign systems demonstrated the potential for non-verbal communication and were key in shaping ASL’s unique syntax and grammar.
Formation of ASL
Martha’s Vineyard and Sign Language Utopia
A significant part of ASL’s history can be attributed to a unique community in Martha’s Vineyard in the 18th century. Due to a high incidence of hereditary deafness, an organic form of sign language was developed and used by both deaf and hearing community members, proving sign language could be a primary means of communication.
Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc
Gallaudet and Clerc are central figures in the history of American deaf education and the development of ASL. After their meeting in France, they together founded the first deaf school in America, where Clerc taught using LSF, which gradually morphed into ASL.
The Creation of First Deaf School in America
The establishment of the first American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut in 1817 was a significant milestone. Here, American Sign Language began to develop as students from across the country brought in their home signs, creating a rich, amalgamated language.
Standardization and Recognition
The Role of Deaf Schools
Deaf schools played a crucial role in standardizing ASL. As more schools for the deaf were established, ASL began to spread and homogenize. These institutions became a haven for Deaf culture and ASL.
The Milan Conference
The International Congress on Education of the Deaf, held in Milan in 1880, was a turning point for global deaf education. The conference’s endorsement of oralism marginalized sign languages worldwide. Despite this, ASL persisted, primarily within Deaf communities and schools.
The Emergence of Manualism and Oralism
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a debate between manualism (the use of sign language) and oralism (the use of spoken language) ensued. Despite the societal pressure of oralism, ASL remained a cornerstone of Deaf culture.
Modern ASL
Linguistic Validation of ASL
It wasn’t until the 1960s that ASL was recognized as a bona fide language. Linguist William Stokoe’s work proved that ASL met the criteria to be classified as a natural language, with its own syntax, morphology, and phonology.
ASL in Education and Media
Today, ASL is widely recognized and used. It has gained popularity in mainstream education as a foreign language credit, and it’s increasingly prevalent in media, including television and social media platforms.
Conclusion
The evolution of ASL underscores the resilience and creativity of Deaf communities. From early influences to modern use, ASL has continued to develop and adapt, reflecting the rich history and diverse culture of its users.