American Sign Language (ASL) is more than just a means of communication—it's a vibrant, living language with a rich history, rooted in the culture and experiences of the Deaf community. Its journey through time is a testament to the resilience and creativity of Deaf individuals, who have fought for their right to communicate in their own language which best represents their needs and identity. Let’s explore the fascinating history of ASL and its evolution into the widely used and respected language it is today.
The Origins of ASL: A Blend of Cultures
The origins of ASL go back to the early 19th century. Before its formal development, deaf individuals in America used a variety of home signs—gestures and signals developed within families and small communities. However, the establishment of a more structured language occurred when Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, an American educator, sought to create an accessible education of education for Deaf children.
In 1817, Gallaudet travelled to Europe, where he encountered French Sign Language (Langue des Signes Française, or LSF) in Paris. He was particularly inspired by the work of Laurent Clerc, a Deaf Frenchman who was an accomplished educator. Gallaudet convinced Clerc to return with him to America, and together they founded the first American school for Deaf children in Hartford, Connecticut: the American School for the Deaf (ASD). It was in the classrooms of the ASD where the foundation of ASL was laid. French Sign Language blended with the existing regional and home sign systems used by Deaf children in America, creating a unique, hybridized form of communication. This merging of languages gave birth to what we now recognize as ASL.
First American School For the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut
Early Challenges: A Language Under Siege
Despite its growing presence within the Deaf community, ASL faced many impactful challenges in the late 19th century. The rise of the oralist movement, which emphasized teaching Deaf individuals to speak and lip-read rather than sign, threatened the use and survival of ASL. A pivotal moment in this battle came at the 1880 Milan Conference, where educators from around the world gathered to discuss Deaf education. The majority of attendees supported the oralist approach, which resulted in a near-global ban on sign language in Deaf schools. This policy led to a decline in the use of ASL in educational settings, as many Deaf children were forced to abandon signing in favour of spoken language. However, despite the oppression, the Deaf community kept ASL alive through their social gatherings, residential schools, and Deaf clubs.
ASL's Revival and Recognition
The suppression of ASL continued for decades, but in the mid-20th century, change started to occur, thanks to the efforts of Deaf advocates and researchers. One key figure in the revival of ASL was William Stokoe, a hearing linguist who worked at Gallaudet University. In 1960, Stokoe published a groundbreaking study that proved ASL was a fully developed language with its own grammar and syntax, not just a collection of gestures or a manual version of English. Stokoe’s research helped validate ASL as a legitimate language, sparking a newfound appreciation for its cultural and linguistic significance. This recognition led to the gradual reintroduction of ASL in Deaf education and the establishment of bilingual programs where students learned both English and ASL.
ASL in Modern Times: A Symbol of Identity and Empowerment
Today, ASL is one of the most widely used sign languages in the world. It is the primary language for many Deaf Americans and an important symbol of identity and empowerment within the Deaf community. Its use extends beyond the Deaf population, as more hearing people learn ASL to communicate with Deaf friends, family members, or colleagues, or to advocate for inclusivity and accessibility. ASL has also made its way into mainstream culture, appearing in television shows, films, and even political speeches. The recent popularity of Deaf performers, such as Nyle DiMarco and the success of films like CODA, which highlights Deaf experiences, have brought further visibility to ASL and Deaf culture.
The Future of ASL
As we look to the future, the continued growth of ASL learning programs, increased representation of Deaf individuals in media, and greater recognition of the importance of accessibility signal a positive trend. However, challenges remain. The fight for equitable education, employment opportunities, and necessary support services and resources for Deaf individuals is ongoing.
American Sign Language is more than a method of communication—it’s a reflection of resilience, culture, and the deep bonds within the Deaf community. ASL and its history are important to the community, but it is also important to acknowledge the preservation of Indigenous Sign Languages. CBC’s article, “How Indigenous Sign Language is Helping this Woman Connect with her Culture” shares how the arrival of Europeans, sign language gained significance. But they also much like English and French replaced many spoken Indigenous languages and traditional Indigenous sign languages. This also highlights the colonial legacy of ASL and its implications in North America. Its history reminds us of the importance of preserving, remembering, and honouring diverse languages and the rights of all people to communicate in the ways that best serve them.
Resources used to create this article:
Administrator. “Deaf History -.” Deaf History - Europe - 1880: The Milan Conference, deafhistory.eu/index.php/component/zoo/item/1880. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.
“American Sign Language.” National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/american-sign-language. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.
Burch, S. “Gannon, Jack R. Deaf Heritage: A Narrative History of Deaf America.” CHOICE: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries, vol. 50, no. 6, American Library Association CHOICE, 2013, pp. 1120-.
Deaf, History. “Deaf History -.” Deaf History - Europe - 1880: The Milan Conference, deafhistory.eu/index.php/component/zoo/item/1880. Accessed 26 Oct. 2024.
Longo Steve. “William Stokoe: Start ASL.” Start ASL | Learn American Sign Language with Our Complete 4-Level Course!, 15 Feb. 2021, www.startasl.com/william-stokoe/. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.
Sharma, Anchal. “How Indigenous Sign Language Is Helping This Woman Connect with Her Culture | CBC News.” CBCnews, CBC/Radio Canada, 11 July 2022, www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/indigenous-deaf-sign-language-culture-1.6473673#:~:text=With%20the%20arrival%20of%20Europeans,replace%20traditional%20Indigenous%20sign%20languages. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.
Start ASL“William Stokoe: Start ASL.” Start ASL | Learn American Sign Language with Our Complete 4-Level Course!, 15 Feb. 2021, www.startasl.com/william-stokoe/. Accessed 26 Oct. 2024.
Yang, Angela. “Nyle DiMarco Is a Role Model for the Deaf and LGBTQ Communities.” NBCNews.Com, NBCUniversal News Group, 1 June 2022, www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/nbc-out-proud/nyle-dimarco-role-model-deaf-lgbtq-communities-rcna28820. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.
Comentarios