When did the sign language begin?
1817
How did deaf people communicate before that?
by using "home signs"
What were those exactly?
Gestures were created and used within each home.
Why couldn't they just take a class on it?
There were no schools or formal training
Who was Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet?
He met his neighbors daughter Alice and taught her to read and write.
Was he successful?
Yes
What did he do after that?
He traveled to Britain to learn their methods but they refused to share.
What happened while he was over there?
There was a demonstration of the French method
What method did Britain use?
Oral method
What was different about the French?
They used signs.
What did he think about it?
He was fascinated.
Who did he meet there?
The instructor Sicard
Was there anyone else?
Yes
Who?
Jean Massieu and Laurent Clerc
Were they instructors also?
No
Who were they?
his two deaf pupils
Was he able to learn their method?
Yes
Where?
Paris
Did he go back to Ameria after that?
Yes
How long did that take?
52 days
Did he ever start a school?
Yes
When?
On April 15, 1817
Where?
in Hartford, Connecticut