From concerts to conference rooms, ASL interpreting has made a space for itself in some of the most important and happening rooms. Today, the world at large recognizes the importance and impact of ASL interpreting. But have you ever stopped and wondered what led to the start of this language revolution? 

Let’s take a closer look at the history of ASL Interpreting. 

Early misconceptions about the deaf community

The deaf community was subjected to many unjust practices due to the misconceptions surrounding them. They were denied fundamental rights and were seen as ‘non-persons’. Some of these misbeliefs were fuelled by highly respectable and learned people. Greek Philosopher Aristotle, for example, believed that deaf people should be denied any education because learning could not happen without hearing. His belief that deaf people were incapable of thinking critically remained unchallenged for years. Based on such misconceptions, the deaf community was prohibited from marrying, buying property, and/or securing a job.

How it all started

Things started to look up during the Renaissance period as sign language was created. This marked the beginning of the deaf community being educated and included. One of the first scholars to challenge the notion that hearing was needed to learn was Geronimo Cardano. He was a 16th-century mathematician and physician with a son who was deaf. Through interactions with his son, the scholar was able to arrive at the conclusion that it was possible for deaf people to learn. 

Later, in 1620, Juan Pablo Bonet, a Spanish priest, developed a manual alphabet system and pedagogies to educate the deaf community. He published one of the first modern texts that aimed to bring to light unique teaching methods for the deaf. The success of his work was followed by Abbé Charles-Michel de l’Epée, a catholic priest and philanthropic educator, who founded the first public school for the deaf community known as the National Institute for Deaf-Mutes. A lot of his work can be attributed to his keen observations of the deaf on the streets of Paris. Due to his significant contributions to the development of sign language, he came to be known as the ‘Father of the Deaf’. In the free public school that he founded, deaf children would bring them various signs that they had learned at home. With the help of these signs, he was able to teach his students the French language, which then later turned into the Old French Sign Language and was used across Europe. 

Development of ASL interpreting

While American Sign Language draws its influence from the sign language created in the 18th century, it is unique in its origin.

In the 17th century, owing to the large deaf population in the area, Martha’s Vineyard Sign Language was developed in the United States. As the deaf population on the island kept growing, the language became widely adopted in the area. 

Later, in 1815, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, an American minister, traveled to France in a quest to study methods of communication. Two years later, upon his return, he established the country’s first school for the deaf community in Connecticut. This had a similar impact on the development of sign language at Abbé Charles-Michel de l’Epée’s school. Gallaudet became a notable figure in the deaf community due to his contributions. The country soon saw a quick adoption and acceptance of schools for the deaf. By 1863, around 22 schools had been founded for the deaf. Later, in 1864, the first college for the education of the deaf was founded.  

Much later, in 1960, William Stokoe, a professor at Gallaudet University, worked on a dissertation that brought about a revolution in the way that people viewed sign language. His work proved that sign language wasn’t just a simplified version of English. Instead, he argued, it was a language in its own right, with its own grammar and syntax. Due to his contributions, sign language came to be recognized as an individual language with as much significance as any other language in the world.  

Conclusion

From shunning the deaf community to understanding, accepting, and supporting them, society at large has come a long way. Through the years, American Sign Language has gained more acceptance and is being adopted increasingly by individuals and organizations. Subsequently, deaf and hard-of-hearing people are now able to have a greater say and occupy more prominent positions in society. 

Over the recent years, ASL interpreting services have made the language more accessible. Contracting trusted companies like Unspoken Language Services offer interpreting services and provide disability access. Our trained and specialized interpreters offer both virtual and on-site services. With our services, you can provide great support to your deaf or hard-of-hearing employees. Reach out to Unspoken Language Services for assistance in varied settings including, but not limited to, Medical, Worker’s Compensation, Mental Health, Legal, Business, Conference, and Education. 

Thumbnail Photo Credit to:

Image Credits- “IMAGINE – in sign language – by Korean artist Hun-Joo Koo (A.K.A. KAY 2)” by Tim Dennell is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

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