How American Sign Language has Evolved Throughout History
During the past decades, American Sign Language transformed primarily thru face-to-face interaction. Though these days, a whole new signed word can spread out 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 Stages of American Sign Language
American Sign Language was developed in the early 19th century at the American School for the Deaf (ASD) in West Hartford, Connecticut, through language connection with English. Ever since then, the use of ASL has been extensively advertised by Deaf schools and Deaf community groups across the US and beyond.
In its early stages, French Sign Language tremendously affected American Sign Language, nevertheless it was not standardized or formalized until 1817. The amount of ASL users at present is projected at 500,000, however it could possibly be a lot higher.
Methods of Learning ASL Now Versus Before
During the past decades, receiving face-to-face guide from educators, tutors, friends, or family members was essentially the only method to learn ASL. But nowadays, numerous method of studying the language are available, here are some examples.
- Participating in an in-person class
- Enrolling in an online course
- Learning through video-based online resources
- Subscribing to an ASL group or Deaf club
- Visiting a Deaf café
- Getting a personal instructor
- Observing and mimicking interpreters
- Using an educational application and
- Being trained by Deaf friends or relatives
Whatever method of learning ASL you decide on, it is necessary to have a great time and communicate 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.
Influence of Phones on ASL
The phone has brought a considerably less remarkable affect on American Sign Language. Then again, the moment cell phones started to come with video technology displays (i.e. smartphones),this situation switched immensely.
Impact of Video on ASL
Video technology has empowered ASL users to connect more easily and teach the language to more people. It also offers the chance to rapidly create and circulate new signs that mirror either modifications in technology or new modes of thinking and acting.
Influence of Social Media on ASL
Today, thriving ASL communities exist on TikTok, YouTube, and various other social media platforms.
The Present State of American Sign Language
Downsizing of Signs
To accommodate the limited spaces of cell phone and video displays, words normally signed with both hands might currently be signed with only one. These particular types of modifications only are acknowledged with some ASL users.
New Signed Words
In earlier times, ASL changed thru face-to-face communication. Today, a new signed word develops rapidly on social media websites.
Preserving American Sign Language
No matter what challenges might develop as ASL grows, preserving the language for generations to come is crucial. Doing so can help to safeguard Deaf culture and make certain that Deaf/HoH individuals have access to their form of self-expression and communication throughout the decades ahead.
