When was sign language first used?

No one knows. There are a number of linguists who theorize that some form of sign language preceded the use of spoken language in the evolution of humans.

Like spoken languages, there are many sign languages. What we know of today as American Sign Language (ASL) has its roots in France. Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet went to Europe to study methods of educating the deaf. He came back with a teacher, Laurent Clerc, from the Paris school for the deaf. Together, they established the first permanent school for the deaf in Hartford, Connecticut in 1817. Soon afterwards, signs from an already established Deaf community in Martha's Vineyard mixed with the French Sign Language, home-signs, and gestures to become what we now know as American Sign Language or, ASL.

ASL is used predominately in the U.S. and the English speaking provinces of Canada. Like English, ASL's influence can also be seen in many places around the world.

The first recorded sign language for the deaf was developed in the 18th cent. by the French abbé Charles Michel de l'Épée. His system (French Sign Language, or FSL) is still used in France. Laurent Clerc studied at de l'Épée's school.

This answer is closed to changes. This is done in rare cases when questions are being vandalized or answers have become debates. Email WikiAnswers @ Answers.com if you would like it to be reopened.

First answer by Umustbkidding. Last edit by Dianergr. Contributor trust: 177 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 12 [recommend question]