Here's why:
* Origins: ASL traces its roots back to the French Deaf community and specifically to the Parisian Institution for the Deaf (later renamed the National Institute for the Deaf). This institution was founded in 1760, and its sign language became a major influence on the sign languages of the world, including ASL.
* Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet: Gallaudet, an American educator, traveled to France in the early 1800s to learn sign language methods. He then established the American Asylum for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1817. Gallaudet brought the French sign language system to the United States, which became the foundation for ASL.
* Evolution and Adaptation: Over time, ASL evolved and adapted based on the needs and cultural context of the Deaf community in America. It developed its own unique vocabulary, grammar, and regional variations.
Key Points:
* While ASL is primarily based on French Sign Language, it has its own distinct features and characteristics.
* Many sign languages around the world, including British Sign Language (BSL), also have historical connections to French Sign Language.
* This linguistic lineage highlights the important role of French Deaf culture and education in shaping the development of sign languages worldwide.
While ASL is distinct from French Sign Language, its roots are firmly planted in the rich tradition of sign language communication originating in France.