* Indigenous Sign Languages: Native American sign languages already existed in North America before European colonization. These languages, while distinct from ASL, likely contributed to its development.
* French Sign Language (LSF): The arrival of deaf students at the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut in the 1800s, who had been educated in France, introduced LSF to America. This language formed the foundation of ASL.
* Home Signs: Deaf communities developed their own sign languages, known as "home signs," which were used within families and local groups. These signs also contributed to the development of ASL.
While many individuals played a role in the development of ASL, it is not possible to pinpoint a single inventor. Some key figures include:
* Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet: Founded the American School for the Deaf in 1817 and played a crucial role in the development of ASL.
* Laurent Clerc: A deaf educator from France who brought LSF to the United States and played a significant role in its standardization.
* Alice Cogswell: A deaf girl who was Gallaudet's student, and whose education helped him develop his ideas about deaf education and communication.
Ultimately, ASL is a living language that continues to evolve and change. It is a product of the collective effort of deaf people and educators throughout its history.