When was sign language first used?

It's impossible to say definitively when sign language was first used. We can't go back in time to observe the development of communication, and there is no written record of the earliest forms of sign language.

However, there are a few things we can say:

* Sign language is likely as old as spoken language. Humans are naturally visual creatures, and gestures have always been a part of human communication.

* Early forms of sign language were probably different from modern sign languages. These early forms likely lacked the structured grammar and vocabulary of modern sign languages.

* Deaf communities have existed throughout history. This suggests that forms of sign language have been used by these communities for a long time.

Here are some key points to consider:

* Ancient Rome: There are historical accounts of people using sign language in ancient Rome, suggesting it was an established form of communication at that time.

* Medieval Europe: There are also records of sign language use in medieval Europe, particularly within monastic communities where deaf individuals were often employed.

* The 18th century: This period saw a surge in interest in the study of sign language, with pioneers like Abbé de l'Épée and Thomas Braidwood advocating for its use in education.

While we can't pinpoint an exact date, it's safe to say that sign language has existed for centuries, and possibly even millennia.