American Sign Language is created primarily by which group of people?

Prepare for the Praxis Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Begin your journey towards certification now!

American Sign Language (ASL) is created primarily by Deaf individuals, reflecting their unique culture, community, and experience. ASL developed in the early 19th century in communities of Deaf people, particularly in the United States, and has its roots in the signs used by Deaf individuals and previous sign systems, including Old French Sign Language. This language emerged as a natural means of communication among Deaf individuals to express their thoughts, share experiences, and foster social connections.

The linguistic structure, grammar, and vocabulary of ASL are all shaped by the users—Deaf individuals—who use the language in everyday contexts. Moreover, ASL is recognized as a fully developed language with its syntax and morphology distinct from spoken English. This community-based development is essential for understanding ASL not just as a manual representation of English, but as a rich language in its own right, embodying the culture, identity, and experience of the Deaf community.

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