* Indigenous Sign Languages: The foundation of ASL is rooted in the sign languages used by Native American communities across the United States. These languages provided crucial elements like handshapes, movements, and facial expressions.
* French Sign Language: The arrival of deaf educators from France in the 1800s brought with them French Sign Language (LSF). This language influenced ASL's structure and vocabulary.
* Deaf Community: ASL is a living language that continually evolves. The deaf community, through their daily interactions and innovations, has shaped and shaped ASL over generations.
Therefore, ASL is the result of a collective effort, not a single creator. It reflects the contributions of diverse communities and the dynamic nature of language itself.