How was Black ASL primarily developed?

The development of Black ASL is primarily rooted in the historical context of segregated education and the formation of African American Deaf communities. During the time when schools for the Deaf were racially segregated, African American Deaf individuals often attended separate institutions. This segregation allowed for the development of a unique sign language variety, shaped by the cultural experiences and social dynamics of these communities, as they created and used a distinct form of American Sign Language (ASL) influenced by African American culture and linguistic practices.

Options that refer to integrated Deaf schools or online resources do not accurately reflect the historical factors that contributed to the evolution of Black ASL. Integrated settings may lead to language blending but would not foster the unique characteristics that arise from distinct cultural and community experiences. Similarly, while online resources have become a valuable tool for learning ASL, they do not play a role in the historical development of Black ASL itself, which emerged long before the advent of internet-based learning tools. The influence of hearing communities also does not capture the essence of how Black ASL was formed, as it is rooted more in the lived experiences and community interactions of African American Deaf individuals rather than external influences.