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Metropolitan State University of Denver professor has possibly unlocked the key to the world’s oldest sign language

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10min 19sec
Photo shows hands holding a drawing of stone etchings of Maya sign language. The man holding the sketch is wearing a dark grey shirt in the background.
Ryan Warner/CPR News
A replica shows distinct hand symbols and imagery from ancient Maya carvings.

Almost everyone talks with their hands, a form of communication whose roots can be found in ancient history -- like way, way, way back. At least that's the theory proposed by Metropolitan State University of Denver archeology professor Rich Sandoval. Sandoval says sign language may go back as far as the late 700s, among the Mayan people. He spoke with Colorado Matters about his "hands-on" experience working with the ancient ruins that led to his discovery.

Amanda Schwengel
Metropolitan State University of Denver associate professor Richard Sandoval drew depictions found on ancient Mayan ruins, based from a trip he made to the historic site Altar Q.