How long has sign language been around?

It's difficult to pinpoint an exact date for the origin of sign language, as it's likely been around for as long as humans have communicated. However, we can identify some important historical markers:

* Ancient Times: There's evidence of sign language use in ancient civilizations. For example, the ancient Greeks and Romans used gestures to convey messages, and some deaf communities likely developed their own sign languages independently.

* Early Deaf Education: The development of formal sign language systems is linked to the establishment of deaf education schools. The first school for the deaf, founded in Paris in 1760, used sign language as a primary means of instruction.

* Modern Sign Languages: Modern sign languages, as we know them today, have evolved over centuries within deaf communities. They are complex, structured languages with their own grammar and vocabulary.

So, while an exact date is unknown, it's safe to say that sign language has been around for a very long time, perhaps even as long as spoken language.

It's important to remember that there are numerous sign languages worldwide, each with its own unique history and development.