The Dark Age of Sign Language History
In 1880, the Milan Congress on Education for the Deaf voted to abolish the use of sign language in deaf education. Instead, oralism was adopted as the preferred method in deaf education worldwide. Oralism was a technique used in educating the deaf that relied solely on lip-reading, speech, and auditory training, instead of using signs. As the oralism method in deaf education began to take hold, it brought about what can be called the Dark Age of Deaf History.
Institutions that used sign language were reformed, and hundreds of oral schools were opened. Some states adopted laws prohibiting the use of signing in public schools. Deaf students were punished and reprimanded. One of the forms of punishment was the wearing of white mittens. These mittens had a short string attaching the hands together limiting the student's ability to sign. Deaf teachers across the country lost their positions during this transition into oralism. However, children in oral schools clandestinely signed in dorms and play areas. It was with tenacity that ASL survived this suppression.
The oralist approach became deeply rooted in the state of Massachusetts. In 1867, the Clarke School in Northampton was established, becoming the first truly oral school for the deaf.
Manualism Versus Oralism
The great debate between proponents of manualism (signing) and supporters of oralism raged on, and after 200 years, some differences still separate the parties. This was evidenced in 1995 when Miss Alabama, Heather Whitestone, who is deaf, won the coveted title of Miss America. Whitestone was criticized for choosing to speak rather than use sign language. Again, the debate was sparked, and it received front-page attention within the Deaf community.
Is Sign Language Really a “Language”?
Another debate raged over the question of whether sign language was a true language or a string of simple gestures. Dr. William C. Stokoe Jr., known as the father of ASL, proved in 1960 that American Sign Language meets all the requisite linguistic criteria to be classified as a fully developed language.
His research work and the books he published brought about the acceptance of ASL as an appropriate language of instruction for the deaf, in addition to its status as an appropriate second language for hearing students in higher education. Dr. Stokoe was a tireless advocate for the linguistic and educational rights of the Deaf, and he continued to actively write and publish until his death in 2000.
How many different forms of sign language are in existence?
Presently, worldwide there are at least 200 different forms of sign language in existence. Just as spoken languages vary, sign language also varies throughout the world. Even within the United States, there are regional differences; therefore, there are sign variations from state to state.
