Description: (American Linguist and Academic)
William Stokoe Jr. was a renowned American linguist recognized for his pioneering research on American Sign Language (ASL). As a professor at Gallaudet University, his work transformed how ASL was viewed both in the United States and internationally. Stokoe's research revealed that sign languages possess syntax and morphology, dispelling the belief that they were simply collections of gestures. His work played a crucial role in enhancing the acknowledgment and comprehension of sign languages on a global scale.