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This research aims to enhance the understanding of language change in American Sign Language during the 19th century.

February 22, 2026Diachronica

New insights into nineteenth-century ASL

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This research aims to enhance the understanding of language change in American Sign Language during the 19th century.
Conducted five case studies focused on specific aspects of ASL's evolution.
Utilized historical methods alongside underutilized sources of sign data.
Examined fingerspelling, numeral systems, initialized signs, term innovations, and handshape variations.
Identified two main drivers of ASL change: bottom-up and top-down influences.
Bottom-up changes originated within the signing community, often unconsciously.
Top-down changes were introduced by early educational institutions linked to the deaf community.

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Case studies reveal historical changes in American Sign Language, suggesting community-driven and prescriptive factors.

Power et al. (2026) studied this question.

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