What significant event related to ASL happened in 1960?

The significant event related to American Sign Language (ASL) that occurred in 1960 was the publication of the first linguistic book and defense of ASL by William Stokoe. This event was crucial because it recognized ASL as a legitimate language, deserving of study and respect. Stokoe’s work, particularly his book "Sign Language Structure," laid the groundwork for the academic study of ASL and played a vital role in changing the perception of sign languages from being considered mere gestures to being acknowledged as fully developed languages with their own grammatical rules and structure.

Stokoe's research provided evidence that ASL was distinct from English and had its own syntax and phonetics, which was revolutionary at the time. His advocacy and scholarly contributions greatly influenced the educational and social standing of ASL, ultimately leading to its incorporation in various educational contexts and the establishment of ASL as an important part of Deaf culture in America. This shift helped to validate the experiences and language of Deaf individuals and provided the foundation for future research and advocacy in the field.