* Indigenous Sign Languages: Deaf communities within Native American tribes had their own distinct sign languages. These languages were diverse and varied across different tribes.
* French Sign Language (LSF): When French settlers came to America, they brought with them LSF, which was used in deaf schools and institutions. LSF significantly influenced the development of ASL.
* "Home Signs": Deaf individuals and families developed their own forms of gestural communication to communicate within their homes. These "home signs" were often unique to individual families or communities and contributed to the diversity of early sign languages.
* Martha's Vineyard Sign Language: This unique sign language developed on the island of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, and served as a communication system for a community with an unusually high incidence of deafness.
The Formation of ASL:
* Early Schools for the Deaf: In the 18th and 19th centuries, schools for the deaf were established in America, often with French teachers. These schools played a crucial role in the development of a more standardized sign language.
* The "Fingerspelling Revolution": In the 19th century, a system of finger spelling (representing letters of the alphabet with handshapes) gained popularity. While not a language itself, fingerspelling helped to standardize and unify sign communication.
* The Gallaudet University Influence: Founded in 1864, Gallaudet University, a university for the deaf and hard of hearing, became a central hub for the development and standardization of ASL.
ASL Today:
* ASL is a fully developed language with its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.
* It's the primary language of the Deaf community in the United States and Canada.
* ASL continues to evolve and change, adapting to new technologies and societal shifts.
It's important to note that ASL is not simply a visual version of English. It's a distinct language with its own structure and rules, just like any other language.