What characterizes Old ASL?

The answer highlighting the combination of early American signs and French sign language accurately reflects the historical development of Old ASL. This period in sign language history refers to the time when American Sign Language began to take shape, particularly in the early 19th century. The establishment of the first formal school for the Deaf in the United States, founded by Thomas Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc, brought together various sign systems. Clerc, a Deaf educator from France, introduced elements of French sign language, which merged with pre-existing signs from the American Deaf community.

This integration led to a rich and unique language that incorporated aspects of both traditions, establishing the foundational characteristics that would evolve into modern ASL. The other responses do not accurately capture this historical relationship and development process, emphasizing the significance of the interplay between early American signs and French sign language in shaping Old ASL.