Here's a short story:

American sign language has an interesting history. Although there have always been deaf individuals in America, the history really begins in 1817. Before 1817 deaf people communicated by using "home signs". Gestures were individually created and used within the home for simple communication. There were no schools or formal sign language training for the deaf. 

So, why was 1817 an important date? Well, the story begins with Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet. Gallaudet met his neighbor's daughter Alice Cogswell. Alice was the young deaf daughter of Dr. Mason Cogswell from Hartford, Connecticut. Gallaudet began teaching Alice to read and write a few simple words. Excited by the success Dr. Cogswell encouraged Gallaudet to establish a school for the deaf. Cogswell raised the money and Gallaudet traveled to Britain to learn the methods used there. However, the schools refused to share their instructional techniques and methods. 

While in London, there happened to be a demonstration of the French method of deaf education. Britain was using an oral method of instruction; however, the French method used signs. Gallaudet was fascinated with the method and was able to meet with the instructor, Sicard, and his two deaf pupils, Jean Massieu and Laurent Clerc. Sicard agreed to teach Gallaudet his method and Gallaudet went to Paris to learn French signs. After a while, Gallaudet wished to return home and convinced Clerc to go with him and help him establish the school. The trip home was a 52-day voyage during which Clerc taught Gallaudet French signs and Gallaudet taught Clerc English. 

On April 15, 1817, Laurent Clerc and Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet established what is currently known as the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut. The opening of the first school for the deaf can be viewed as one of the most important events in current deaf culture. (End of story)

Provide your best guess for the following question. Give ONLY the guess, no other words or explanation.

For example:

Guess: <most likely guess, as short as possible; not a complete sentence, just the guess!>

Here are a few examples of questions and answers:

Question: When did the sign language begin?
Guess: 1817

Question: How did deaf people communicate before that?
Guess: by using "home signs"

Question: What were those exactly?
Guess: Gestures were created and used within each home.

Question: Why couldn't they just take a class on it?
Guess: There were no schools or formal training

Question: Who was Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet?
Guess: He met his neighbors daughter Alice and taught her to read and write.

Question: Was he successful?
Guess: Yes

Question: What did he do after that?
Guess: He traveled to Britain to learn their methods but they refused to share.

Question: What happened while he was over there?
Guess: There was a demonstration of the French method

Question: What method did Britain use?
Guess: Oral method

Now answer the following question in the same format.

Question: What was different about the French?

They used signs.