It was established in 1972 with William Stokoe of Gallaudet University as founding editor-in-chief.

[1] From 1973 to 1975, the journal was published with the support of Thomas Sebeok through Mouton and Company and Indiana University.

[2] Stokoe chose to number issues consecutively since the journal's inception.

[3] Following Stokoe's death, Gallaudet University Press took over publication in 2000 after a 3-year hiatus.

David F. Armstrong, who had served on the editorial board since 1986, became the new editor of the journal.