'How do you feel when you sing?' | CODA Film | Movie Clips

One part of the film CODA that was incredibly stunning to me was when the music teacher, Mr. Bernardo Villalobos, asked Ruby what singing feels like and she found it hard to explain in words so she started using sign language. As someone who loves to sing and finds it very freeing and therapeutic, there was no better description than what she motions with her hands, her facial expressions, her body. It was so spot on and not a single word was spoken. Even better, there were no subtitles to take away from the innate communication of her hands, face, and body. It was such a breathtaking moment for me because some of the best feelings are the hardest to explain with mere words.

[Elaini.Young]

"I feel...excited. My stomach is in knots but then goes away. It's as if I'm floating away".

[leighmartin]

I love how she almost code switches, but then chooses to explain in her natural language.

Seeing CODAs code switch is the coolest thing. They will be speaking orally, but every now and then they will use a sign.

[Thedarkknight]

Incredible scene. It shows that here first language is sign, and spoken word is a second language she’s adopted. He left core emotions can only be expressed through her mother-language

[davidyap]

As an educator, this scene touched my deeply. I hope I can be like him - a teacher who sees his students using his heart, not just his eyes.

[jrromman]

I've been a music teacher for 33 years. This is one of the most beautiful moments I have ever seen in a movie.

[Stephanie-yrdu]

That answer is so beautiful. I cried watching this part because it’s the gift inside her that she was afraid to share. Something so beautiful like that isn’t meant to be kept inside.

[JoyGrenade]

There is no moment in cinema that better captures the essence of creative expression. This scene shook me to my core, and I still feel it in my soul. To those of us who need it the way we need air to survive, there is nothing more freeing or nurturing than singing. It’s everything.

[mikaelsiirila]

The movie made me see sign language in a different light - perhaps more rich, colourful, nuanced and capable of such humour even without the ability to read it.

[mappingoutthesky]

How amazing is language and the ability that we as humans have to communicate with each other. I'm sure many of us don't know sign language, yet we understand what she's expressing.

[Arbee]

I watched this film on a flight last week. I was bawling my eyes out on the plane. It's such a touching movie.

[yaracyta]

i just cried my heart OUT watching this movie... they deserve an Oscar 😭😭😭😭

[josephconner]

I never knew how poetically beautiful sign language could be even if I dont undstand it

[sharoncasey]

They say knowing more than one language increases one's ability to communicate markedly. This illustrates that concept perfectly-what she couldn't express in spoken English, she could relate perfectly in American sign.

[michaeljj]

she should so have been nominated for an

[MFM]

The deaf actors express so much more in facial expressions than those who hear.

[bluerose]

I understand this right away without sign language...

[da]

I can't really explain it
I haven't got the words
It's a feelin' that you can't control
I suppose it's like forgetting, losing who you are
But at the same time something makes you whole.

[flutetubamorg]

This dang scene all by itself was Oscar worthy. They better make it up some time.

[robertsunseri]

Perfectly foreshadows the end of the movie.

[Kevinap]

You don't need to know ASL, neither do you need to know exactly what she said word for word. But instead you can understand her body language and the way she emoted her expressions along with the very descriptive motions of her hands. It was clear she was making a deeply personal statement that required a lot of courage to express.

Having said all that, I am here to tell you as a hearing impaired person who is now totally deaf that the value of knowing ASL is profoundly more than just a translative language for deaf people. Hearing people definitely could benefit from knowing and using ASL even if they do not communicate with deaf people. ASL is such an expressive way to communicate and can help many hearing people who are otherwise not social. Especially young children. ASL is a gateway language for a more empathetic and emotionally sincere communication. I can't tell you how powerful it is to convey emotions through your hands and expressions.

It does not take long to learn the basics of ASL, the hard part is practicing it and usage. If any of you decide to take an ASL class, I recommend doing it with a friend or find a classmate who is willing to practice with you regularly.