

Coming from a deaf family, it is natural that her first language, and one she is most expressive in, is ASL. Thus, when Ruby tries to explain to her music teacher how she feels when she sings, she shifts to using sign language because English words don’t seem to suffice.

It is essential to keep in mind that sign language is not a “hand signal” version of spoken dialogue but a separate language (which differs from place to place, like any other language). Therefore, the film’s multiple deaf cast members bring in their own natural style of conversing in ASL, and dialogues even include idioms and phrases specific to ASL for authenticity.Įven the film’s captions during ASL scenes are essentially translations and are not literal, word for word, representations of what the characters are saying to each other. In fact, the film’s script was apparently adapted into ASL, which is a language with its own grammar and nuances. One of the major aspects that sets ‘CODA’ apart is its authentic use of sign language. As she drives away after one last hug, Ruby leans out of the car and signs to her family as they disappear in the distance. The scene is touching for many reasons, from the Rossi family having to bid goodbye to their youngest member, who has also been their bridge to the hearing world, to Ruby’s exciting new beginning at Berklee. ‘CODA’ ends with Ruby getting into Berklee and moving out of the home she has shared with her family all her life. The Meaning of the Sign at the End of CODA If you’re wondering about the meaning of the sign Ruby makes at the end of ‘CODA,’ we’re here to explain it all to you. In fact, you might have noticed that a few ASL dialogues aren’t even captioned, seemingly because words may not suffice to communicate the feeling. The film feels significantly authentic with extended portions of its dialogues in American Sign Language (ASL). Director Sian Heder’s film gives audiences an intimate look at the family’s dynamics, Ruby’s role in it, and how they fit into the larger community.
