American Sign Language (ASL) is more than just a collection of gestures—it's a rich, evolving language with a unique history that spans centuries. Unlike spoken English, ASL grew from a blend of influences, including French Sign Language, regional U.S. sign systems, and the creativity of Deaf communities in North America. The journey of ASL began in the early 19th century, most notably at the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut, where Deaf students and educators fused different forms of signing into a common language.
