How American Sign Language has Developed Over Time

 

Within the past decades, American Sign Language evolved mainly by way of face-to-face interaction. Though nowadays, a completely new signed word can easily spread like wild fire on social website platforms like TikTok or YouTube.

The focus of this article is on the various developments happening in ASL, which can be attributed to the prevalence of smartphones and video technology. These innovations have led to a significant expansion of interactions using American Sign Language. 

Initial Development of American Sign Language 

American Sign Language originated in the early 19th century at the American School for the Deaf (ASD) in West Hartford, Connecticut, through language contact with English. Ever since then, the usage of ASL has been extensively disseminated by Deaf schools and Deaf community groups throughout the US and beyond. 

In its early years, French Sign Language greatly affected American Sign Language, nevertheless it was not formalized or standardized right up until 1817. The number of ASL users at present is estimated at 500,000, but it could very well be much higher.

Ways of Learning ASL Now Versus Before

Within the past decades, receiving face-to-face instruction from teachers, tutors, friends, or family members was essentially the only method to learn ASL. However nowadays, many method of studying the language are offered, here are some examples. 

- Attending a face-to-face traditional classroom setting 

- Enrolling in a web based virtual course 

- Learning online by watching ASL videos 

- Subscribing to a Deaf club or an ASL group 

- Visiting a Deaf café

- Hiring a personal instructor

- Observing and mimicking interpreters

- Using an instructional software and

- Being trained by Deaf relatives or friends

Regardless of what method of learning ASL you decide on, it is essential to enjoy yourself and work together on a regular basis with other ASL users. This process will speed up your language procurement and facilitate your accessibility to the D/HoH community.

Impact of Phones on ASL

The phone has brought a considerably less remarkable influence on American Sign Language. However, when cell phones started to include video screens (i.e. smartphones),this situation switched immensely.

Impact of Video Technology on ASL

Video technology has allowed ASL users to get in touch with less effort and teach the language to a lot of people. What's more, it increases the opportunity to rapidly create and circulate new signs that mirror either changes in technology or completely new methods of acting and thinking.

Influence of Social Media on ASL

Presently, growing ASL communities can be found on TikTok, YouTube, and other social media networks. 

The Current State of American Sign Language

Shrinking of Signs

To fit the small spaces of video and cell phone displays, words commonly signed with both hands might currently be signed with just one. These kinds of changes only are acknowledged by some ASL users. 

New Signed Words

In the past, ASL transformed through face-to-face communication. Presently, a whole new signed word spreads rapidly on social networking platforms.

Preserving American Sign Language

Regardless of what issues might develop as ASL evolves, preserving the language for future generations is vital. Doing so can help safeguard Deaf culture and make sure that Deaf/HoH individuals have access to their form of self-expression and communication throughout the decades.