When was American sign language invented?

American Sign Language (ASL) was not "invented" in the way that a new technology or product might be. It is a natural language that developed organically over time.

Here's a breakdown of its history:

* Origins: ASL has roots in French Sign Language (LSF), brought to America by deaf educators in the 18th century.

* Development: Over time, ASL evolved and adapted to the unique cultural and linguistic context of America. It incorporated elements of indigenous sign languages and developed its own distinct grammar and vocabulary.

* Formalization: While ASL was never "invented," it has been documented and codified over the years, with the first dictionary appearing in the late 19th century.

Therefore, it's more accurate to say that ASL emerged and evolved over centuries, rather than being invented at a specific point in time.