Simple things such as a bird singing, the crashing sound of thunder, a song on the radio, the words on a movie or the voice of a loved one. Many of us don't think twice about the gift of sound. It is something we have never known to be any different. But for many people it is only a dream. While others who cannot hear still enjoy life and many learn to adapt in various ways.
Sign language is a very old language.
From the earliest records in history, gestures have been used for communication between groups. The development and formalized language of sign has been gradual, with the first attempt to do so starting in the latter part of the 16th century. Until that time the deaf were considered people who could not be educated. Many were scorned, reviled and even feared by many. It was thought they wer incapable of reasoning or of having ideas.