who really found america
The discovery of America is often credited to Christopher Columbus, who sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492 and landed in the Caribbean. However, there have been numerous debates and controversies surrounding the true discoverer of America. Many historians and researchers argue that Columbus was not the first person to find and explore the land. In this article, we will delve deeper into the question of who really found America and explore the different theories and evidence to support them.
Before we dive into the various theories, it is essential to understand what is meant by the term “discovery of America.” The continent of America was, in fact, already populated by indigenous peoples for thousands of years before Columbus arrived. So, when we say “discovery,” we are referring to the European exploration and colonization of the continent. With that in mind, let us explore the different theories of who really found America.
1. The Vikings
The first theory suggests that the Vikings were the first to discover America. According to Norse sagas and archaeological evidence, the Vikings, led by Leif Erikson, landed in North America around 1000 AD. They established a settlement in Newfoundland, Canada, called Vinland. The Vikings were skilled sailors and had the technology to navigate the treacherous Atlantic waters. However, their settlement did not last long, and they eventually abandoned it.
The evidence for this theory includes archaeological findings, such as Viking artifacts and ruins, in North America. Additionally, the Vinland sagas, which were written in the 13th century, describe the Vikings’ journey to America. However, some historians argue that these sagas were fictional and cannot be considered as reliable evidence.
2. The Chinese
Another theory suggests that the Chinese explored America long before Columbus. In the 15th century, the Chinese were at the height of their naval power, and some historians believe that they had the capabilities to cross the Pacific Ocean. According to a 1421 Chinese map, created by Admiral Zheng He, the Chinese had discovered America and even mapped out the coastline in detail. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this theory, and the map is highly controversial and disputed.
3. The Polynesians
Some researchers argue that the Polynesians were the first to discover America. The Polynesian people were skilled navigators and had a vast knowledge of the ocean. In particular, the Maori people of New Zealand are believed to have reached the coast of South America around 1300 AD. There is evidence to suggest that the Polynesians had contact with the Incas, including similarities in their languages and cultures. However, there is no conclusive evidence to prove that the Polynesians reached the mainland of America.
4. The Irish
One of the more controversial theories is that the Irish were the first to discover America. According to legend, an Irish monk named Saint Brendan sailed across the Atlantic in the 6th century and reached America. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this theory, and it is mostly based on Irish folklore and legends.
5. The Phoenicians
The Phoenicians were an ancient civilization that dominated the Mediterranean Sea in the 1st millennium BC. Some historians believe that they were skilled sailors and had the capabilities to reach America. According to the Phoenician theory, they established a colony in Brazil around 600 BC. However, there is a lack of archaeological evidence to support this theory, and it is still highly debated among historians.
6. The Basques
The Basques were a seafaring people from the Basque Country, a region between Spain and France. They were known for their excellent shipbuilding and navigational skills. Some researchers suggest that the Basques reached America in the 14th century and established a trade route with the indigenous people. However, there is no solid evidence to support this theory, and it is mostly based on speculation.
7. The Knights Templar
The Knights Templar were a powerful and secretive order during the Middle Ages. According to the Templar theory, they had the resources and knowledge to reach America in the 14th century. Some believe that they established a colony in Nova Scotia, Canada, and even had a treasure hidden there. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this theory, and it is mostly considered a conspiracy theory.
8. The Welsh
According to Welsh folklore, a prince named Madoc sailed to America in 1170, almost 300 years before Columbus. Some believe that he landed in modern-day Alabama and established a colony. However, this theory is mostly based on legend and lacks any substantial evidence.
9. The Portuguese
The Portuguese were one of the most powerful naval powers during the 15th century. Some historians suggest that they reached America before Columbus, but their explorations were kept secret to protect their trading routes. However, there is no solid evidence to support this theory, and it is still highly debated.
10. Christopher Columbus
Finally, we come to the most popular and widely accepted theory that Christopher Columbus was the first to discover America. Born in Genoa, Italy, Columbus was an experienced sailor and navigator. He believed that he could reach Asia by sailing west across the Atlantic. In 1492, he set sail with three ships, the Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria, and landed in the Caribbean. His voyage opened the doors for European exploration and colonization of the continent.
While there is no denying that Columbus played a significant role in the discovery of America, many argue that he was not the first person to reach the continent. The evidence for this theory includes the numerous accounts of explorers who reached America before Columbus, as well as the fact that he never actually set foot on the mainland.
So, who really found America? The truth is, we may never know for sure. The discovery of America is a complex and fascinating topic, with numerous theories and evidence to support them. It is also important to note that the idea of “discovering” a land that was already inhabited by indigenous peoples is a controversial and problematic concept.
In conclusion, while Christopher Columbus is credited with the discovery of America, there is evidence to suggest that many others reached the continent before him. Each theory has its own set of supporters and evidence, but the question of who really found America remains a mystery. What we do know is that the discovery of America has shaped the course of history and continues to be a topic of debate and fascination.
sign language slang
Sign language slang is a fascinating aspect of the deaf and hard of hearing community that is often overlooked by those outside of it. Just like any spoken language, sign language has its own unique set of slang terms and phrases that are used by its speakers. These slang terms not only add color and character to the language, but they also serve as a way for the deaf and hard of hearing community to connect and bond with each other. In this article, we will dive into the world of sign language slang and explore its history, usage, and impact on the community.
History of Sign Language Slang
The origins of sign language slang can be traced back to the early 1800s when American Sign Language (ASL) first emerged as a distinct language. At this time, ASL was heavily influenced by French Sign Language (FSL) due to the efforts of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, who brought FSL to the United States and co-founded the first school for the deaf in America. As a result, many of the early slang terms in ASL were borrowed from FSL.
In the early days, sign language slang was primarily used by students at deaf schools and was passed down through oral tradition. It was a way for students to connect with each other and form a sense of community within the school. However, as the deaf community began to grow and spread out, sign language slang also spread and evolved. It was no longer confined to just deaf schools, but was also used in everyday conversations among the deaf and hard of hearing community.
Usage of Sign Language Slang
Sign language slang is used in a variety of situations, from casual conversations among friends to more formal settings such as lectures or presentations. Just like spoken language slang, sign language slang can change and evolve over time, with new terms being created and old ones falling out of use. It is also heavily influenced by various factors such as age, geographic location, and personal experiences.
One of the most common uses of sign language slang is to express emotions or reactions. For example, the sign for “excited” can be modified to show different levels of excitement, such as “super excited” or “mildly excited”. This allows for a greater range of expression and adds depth to the conversation. Similarly, sign language slang can also be used to convey sarcasm or humor, making conversations more lively and engaging.
Impact on the Deaf Community
Sign language slang is not just a fun aspect of the language, but it also serves a deeper purpose within the deaf community. It plays a significant role in fostering a sense of belonging and identity among its speakers. The use of sign language slang creates a bond between individuals who share similar experiences and can relate to each other on a deeper level. It also helps to break down barriers and promote inclusivity within the community.
Moreover, sign language slang is a reflection of the ever-evolving nature of the deaf community. As the community grows and changes, so does its language and slang. This serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of the deaf and hard of hearing community, and how it continues to thrive and evolve despite the challenges it faces.
Examples of Sign Language Slang
Just like spoken language slang, sign language slang can vary greatly depending on the region and community. However, there are some commonly used terms that are widely understood within the deaf community. Here are a few examples:
1. “Deaf Power” – this is a common phrase used to express pride in being deaf and to embrace one’s identity as a member of the deaf community.
2. “CODA” – an acronym for Child of Deaf Adults, used to refer to hearing children who have deaf parents.
3. “TTYL” – an abbreviation for “talk to you later”, used to sign off in conversations.
4. “Deaf Gain” – a term used to highlight the unique perspectives and abilities of deaf individuals, instead of focusing on what they may lack.
5. “Deafhood” – a term coined by deaf activist Paddy Ladd, which refers to the journey of self-discovery and embracing one’s deaf identity.
Challenges of Sign Language Slang
While sign language slang is a vibrant and integral part of the deaf community, it is not without its challenges. One major challenge is the lack of standardization within the language. Unlike spoken languages that have dictionaries and grammar rules, sign language is still largely undocumented and can vary greatly from region to region. This makes it difficult for new learners to fully grasp the nuances of sign language slang.
Another challenge is the constant changes and evolution of slang terms. This can make it challenging for even fluent sign language users to keep up with the latest terms and expressions. However, this also highlights the dynamic nature of the language and its ability to adapt and evolve with the community.
In recent years, the rise of technology and social media has also posed a challenge for sign language slang. With the increasing use of texting and messaging, many deaf individuals have started using written English to communicate instead of sign language, leading to a decline in the use of sign language slang.
In Conclusion
Sign language slang is a rich and dynamic aspect of the deaf and hard of hearing community. It serves a variety of purposes, from adding color and character to the language to fostering a sense of belonging and identity within the community. While it has its challenges, it continues to thrive and evolve, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of the deaf community. As the community continues to grow and change, so will its language and slang, making it an ever-evolving and fascinating aspect of the deaf culture.