* Pre-colonial America: Before European colonization, many Indigenous communities in North America relied heavily on sign language for communication between tribes who spoke different spoken languages. This was especially true in areas where tribes frequently interacted and traded.
* Early deaf communities: Throughout history, deaf communities have always had their own sign languages, which were often essential for communication and social interaction. These communities often had a high concentration of sign language users.
* The 18th and 19th centuries: Sign language saw a resurgence in popularity during this period, thanks to the work of educators like Abbe de l'Epee and Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet. These educators saw sign language as a valuable tool for educating deaf students and helped establish deaf schools and communities where sign language flourished.
* The "Golden Age" of Deaf Education: The period from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century is sometimes referred to as the "Golden Age" of Deaf Education. During this time, sign language was widely accepted in deaf schools and communities.
It's important to note that even in these places and periods, not *everyone* knew sign language. Sign language was primarily used by deaf individuals and those who interacted with them. While its use was more prevalent in certain contexts, it never reached the level of widespread usage that spoken languages do.