* Indigenous sign languages: Many Native American tribes had their own sign languages. These had a significant impact on the development of ASL.
* French Sign Language: The French had a strong presence in North America, and their sign language (Langue des signes française) was also influential.
* Deaf communities: Deaf individuals themselves played a vital role in shaping the language. They adapted and refined the signs, contributing to its unique grammar and structure.
Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc are often credited with formalizing ASL and establishing the first school for the deaf in the United States. In 1817, Gallaudet traveled to France to learn about the French Sign Language. He then brought Laurent Clerc, a deaf educator, back to the United States to help establish the American Asylum for the Deaf (now Gallaudet University) in Hartford, Connecticut.
It's important to note:
* Gallaudet and Clerc didn't invent ASL. They played a crucial role in establishing the first school for the deaf and introducing French Sign Language to the United States.
* ASL evolved over time. It was shaped by Deaf communities, who adapted and refined the language to fit their needs and cultures.
So, while Gallaudet and Clerc played a significant role in the history of ASL, it's important to remember that ASL is a living language that has been developed and enriched by the Deaf community over centuries.