Who invented british sign language?

There's no single inventor of British Sign Language (BSL). It developed organically over centuries, much like spoken languages.

Here's a breakdown of its history:

* Early Development: Deaf individuals in Britain have used sign language for centuries. The exact origins are unknown, but it's likely a combination of influences from local sign languages and interaction with sign languages from other countries.

* Formalization: In the 18th century, Thomas Braidwood, a teacher of the deaf, developed a formal system of signs based on spoken English. However, his system was not widely adopted.

* The Influence of the Deaf Community: The 19th century saw the establishment of deaf schools and the growth of a deaf community. This community played a vital role in shaping BSL, developing its own unique vocabulary and grammar.

* Formal Recognition: While BSL has existed for centuries, it wasn't officially recognized as a language until 2003.

So, while no single person "invented" BSL, the deaf community is rightfully credited with shaping and developing it into the vibrant language it is today.