* Ancient Origins: Sign language likely emerged naturally within communities where spoken language was limited or impossible. This could include deaf individuals, groups living in isolation, or even those communicating across language barriers.
* Lack of Written Documentation: The earliest civilizations didn't leave detailed records of everyday communication practices, including sign language.
* Limited Historical Evidence: While we have evidence of ancient cultures using gestures and symbols (think Egyptian hieroglyphs, cave paintings), it's difficult to definitively say these were formal sign language systems.
What we do know:
* Early Mentions: Some historians point to ancient Greek and Roman texts that mention "deaf-mutes" and the use of gestures for communication.
* Medieval Period: During the Middle Ages, there were references to sign language used by religious communities and in education for deaf individuals.
* Modern Recognition: The formal study and development of sign language as a structured language began in the 18th and 19th centuries, with the work of individuals like Abbe de l'Epee and Thomas Braidwood.
Conclusion: While we can't say when sign language was "first mentioned," its history is long and complex, likely stretching back to the origins of human communication itself. It was recognized as a valuable tool for the deaf community long before it was formally studied and documented.