In “CODA,” Emilia Jones portrayed Ruby Rossi, a hearing child of deaf adults, requiring her to master American Sign Language (ASL). She dedicated herself to learning ASL through immersive training, cultural education, and collaboration with her deaf co-stars, enhancing her performance and connecting deeply with the deaf community. This article, brought to you by LEARNS.EDU.VN, explores her journey and offers insights into effective language acquisition. Discover proven language learning methods and valuable resources to improve your skills and achieve fluency. Delve into the realms of language acquisition, effective communication, and accessible learning.
1. The Initial Challenge: A Multifaceted Role
Emilia Jones faced a significant challenge when cast as Ruby Rossi in “CODA.” She needed to learn American Sign Language (ASL), adopt an American accent, develop her singing voice, and master fishing techniques. These diverse requirements, each demanding considerable effort, initially seemed daunting.
1.1. Overcoming Initial Hurdles
Jones recalled her initial reaction to the script. “I was just sent a script and I was asked to audition, but I was filming at the time and so I asked for an extension,” she said. “I got this extension, and then I was sick and I was like, ‘Oh, my goodness, not only am I 17 years old, I’m British, I don’t know sign language, I’ve never had a singing lesson, and now I’m also ill.’”
Despite these challenges, she was drawn to the story’s unique elements. “But I loved the script. I loved the story. I loved the Rossi family. I loved that they were so relatable and dysfunctional, but also it’s about a culture that’s rarely seen on-screen. So, so much of it excited me.”
2. Committing to Learning ASL: An Immersive Approach
To authentically portray Ruby, Emilia Jones embarked on an intensive nine-month journey to learn ASL. Her approach was comprehensive, focusing not only on the language itself but also on the culture and community it represents.
2.1. Comprehensive Training Schedule
During this period, Jones balanced filming the Netflix series “Locke & Key” with her ASL training. Weekdays were dedicated to filming, while weekends were reserved for intensive ASL lessons and singing practice. This rigorous schedule demonstrated her commitment to the role and her desire to portray Ruby authentically.
2.2. The Importance of Cultural Context
Jones’s ASL teacher, Anselmo DeSousa, emphasized the importance of understanding Deaf culture before learning the language. “I had an amazing sign language teacher named Anselmo DeSousa, and I turn up for my first lesson and I was like, ‘Okay, let’s learn sign language!’ And he’s like, ‘Nope, I’m not teaching you any sign language until you know about my culture,'” Jones recalled.
DeSousa’s approach was holistic, teaching Jones about Deaf history, customs, and values. This cultural immersion provided a deeper understanding of ASL and its role in the Deaf community. According to a study by the National Association of the Deaf, cultural awareness significantly improves language retention and fluency.
2.3. Building a Foundation
DeSousa started with the basics, ensuring Jones had a solid foundation in the fundamentals of ASL. “He taught me all about deaf culture, and he taught me the alphabet, because if you don’t know any signs, if you know the alphabet, you can finger spell any word,” Jones explained. This foundation allowed her to communicate even before mastering a wide range of signs.
3. Integrating ASL into Daily Life: Connecting with Co-Stars
Emilia Jones was determined to use ASL not just for her performance but also to communicate with her deaf co-stars, Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur, and Daniel Durant. This commitment to real communication fostered a strong bond and enhanced the authenticity of their on-screen relationships.
3.1. Overcoming Communication Barriers
Jones wanted to avoid relying on interpreters and instead communicate directly with her co-stars. “I didn’t just want to learn my lines, because I wanted to be able to communicate with Marlee, Troy, and Daniel without an interpreter,” she said. This personal goal motivated her to learn ASL beyond the script’s requirements.
3.2. Building Rapport Through Language
By learning ASL, Jones was able to engage in spontaneous conversations and build genuine relationships with her co-stars. “I didn’t want to talk through somebody, so I made sure that I learned as much as I could in the nine months while I was working 75 hour weeks,” she said. This effort paid off, creating a comfortable and collaborative environment on set.
3.3. Improvisation and Spontaneity
Jones’s ASL skills allowed for improvisation and spontaneity in her performance. She noted that Troy Kotsur, in particular, was a master of improvisation, and her ability to sign fluently allowed her to keep up with him. This enhanced the naturalness and authenticity of the family dynamics in the film.
4. The Impact of Hard Work: Authentic Representation
Emilia Jones’s dedication to learning ASL and understanding Deaf culture significantly impacted her performance in “CODA.” Her authentic portrayal of Ruby Rossi resonated with audiences and critics alike, contributing to the film’s success and positive reception within the Deaf community.
4.1. Earning Trust and Respect
Her commitment to ASL earned her the trust and respect of her co-stars and the Deaf community. By learning the language and immersing herself in the culture, Jones demonstrated a genuine desire to understand and represent the Deaf experience accurately.
4.2. Positive Reception and Accolades
“CODA” received widespread acclaim for its authentic representation of Deaf culture and its heartwarming story. The film won numerous awards, including the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival. This recognition underscored the importance of authentic representation in film and the impact of Jones’s hard work.
4.3. Promoting Deaf Awareness
“CODA” brought Deaf culture to a wider audience, raising awareness and promoting inclusivity. Jones’s portrayal of Ruby helped to break down stereotypes and highlight the importance of communication and understanding between hearing and Deaf individuals.
5. Lessons Learned: Tips for Effective Language Acquisition
Emilia Jones’s experience offers valuable insights into effective language acquisition. Her success can be attributed to several key factors, including immersion, cultural understanding, and consistent practice.
5.1. Immersion is Key
Immersing oneself in the language and culture is crucial for effective language acquisition. Jones not only studied ASL but also spent time with her Deaf co-stars, learning about their experiences and perspectives. This immersive approach accelerated her learning and deepened her understanding of the language.
5.2. Understand the Culture
Learning a language is not just about memorizing vocabulary and grammar; it also involves understanding the culture associated with the language. Jones’s teacher, Anselmo DeSousa, emphasized the importance of learning about Deaf culture, which helped her to appreciate the nuances of ASL and communicate more effectively.
5.3. Consistent Practice
Consistent practice is essential for reinforcing what you’ve learned and building fluency. Jones dedicated her weekends to ASL training, even while filming “Locke & Key.” This consistent effort allowed her to make significant progress in a relatively short amount of time.
5.4. Set Realistic Goals
Learning a new language can be challenging, so it’s important to set realistic goals and celebrate your progress along the way. Jones focused on learning ASL well enough to communicate with her co-stars, which gave her a clear objective and motivated her to keep learning.
5.5. Use Available Resources
There are many resources available to language learners, including textbooks, online courses, language exchange partners, and cultural events. Jones took advantage of these resources to supplement her formal training and enhance her learning experience.
6. How LEARNS.EDU.VN Can Help You Learn a New Language
Inspired by Emilia Jones’s dedication to learning ASL? LEARNS.EDU.VN offers a variety of resources to help you embark on your own language learning journey. Whether you’re interested in ASL, Spanish, French, or any other language, we have the tools and support you need to succeed.
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7. Other Challenges Faced by Emilia Jones During Filming
Emilia Jones faced several challenges while filming “CODA” besides learning ASL. These included mastering an American accent, developing her singing voice, and learning how to fish.
7.1. American Accent
As a British actress, Jones had to learn an American accent for the role of Ruby Rossi. She worked with a dialect coach to perfect her pronunciation and intonation, ensuring that her accent sounded authentic.
7.2. Singing Lessons
Jones had never had singing lessons before being cast in “CODA.” She worked with a vocal coach to develop her singing voice and prepare for the musical performances in the film. She initially auditioned with “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac but ultimately sang “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell in the movie.
7.3. Fishing Skills
Ruby Rossi works on her family’s fishing boat, so Jones had to learn how to fish for the role. She spent time with local fishermen, learning how to bait hooks, cast lines, and haul in catches. She described waking up at 3 a.m. to go out on the boat and returning smelling like fish guts.
8. The On-Set Environment and Family Dynamic
The cast of “CODA” developed a close-knit family dynamic both on and off-screen. This bond contributed to the authenticity and emotional depth of the film.
8.1. Supportive Co-Stars
Jones credited her co-stars, Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur, and Daniel Durant, with creating a supportive and collaborative environment on set. They welcomed her into their community and helped her to learn ASL and understand Deaf culture.
8.2. Weekend Hangouts
The cast spent time together even on weekends, further strengthening their bond. Kotsur and Durant would watch football, while Matlin would cook for the group. These shared experiences helped them to develop a genuine sense of family.
8.3. Improvisation and Collaboration
The cast members were encouraged to improvise and collaborate, which allowed them to bring their own experiences and perspectives to their roles. This collaborative approach enhanced the naturalness and authenticity of the film.
9. Emilia Jones’s Future Projects and Aspirations
Following the success of “CODA,” Emilia Jones has continued to pursue challenging and diverse roles. She is committed to using her platform to promote inclusivity and raise awareness about important social issues.
9.1. “Cat Person”
Jones starred in Susanna Fogel’s “Cat Person,” an adaptation of the viral short story by Kristen Roupenian. In this film, she plays Margot, a college student who becomes involved in a toxic relationship with an older man.
9.2. Continued Language Learning
Jones is committed to continuing her language learning journey. She wants to master ASL and then move on to learning British Sign Language.
9.3. Promoting Inclusivity
Jones is passionate about promoting inclusivity and raising awareness about important social issues. She uses her platform to advocate for the Deaf community and other marginalized groups.
10. The Enduring Impact of “CODA”
“CODA” has had a lasting impact on the film industry and the Deaf community. The film has raised awareness about Deaf culture, promoted inclusivity, and inspired countless individuals to learn ASL.
10.1. Increased Representation
“CODA” has paved the way for increased representation of Deaf actors and stories in film and television. The film’s success has demonstrated that audiences are eager to see authentic and diverse stories.
10.2. Promoting ASL Learning
The film has inspired many people to learn ASL. Language learning apps and courses have reported a surge in interest in ASL since the release of “CODA.”
10.3. Lasting Legacy
“CODA” is a groundbreaking film that has had a profound impact on the film industry and the Deaf community. The film’s message of love, family, and inclusivity will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How did Emilia Jones prepare for her role in “CODA”?
Emilia Jones underwent nine months of intensive training to learn American Sign Language (ASL), adopt an American accent, develop her singing voice, and learn how to fish.
2. Why was it important for Emilia Jones to learn ASL for her role?
Learning ASL allowed Jones to authentically portray her character, Ruby Rossi, and communicate directly with her deaf co-stars, fostering a strong bond and enhancing the film’s realism.
3. What challenges did Emilia Jones face while learning ASL?
Jones balanced filming “Locke & Key” with her ASL training, dedicating weekends to intensive lessons and cultural immersion to learn the language effectively.
4. How did Emilia Jones’s ASL teacher help her learn the language?
Her teacher, Anselmo DeSousa, emphasized the importance of understanding Deaf culture before learning ASL, providing her with a deeper appreciation for the language and its community.
5. What impact did Emilia Jones’s hard work have on the film “CODA”?
Jones’s dedication to learning ASL and understanding Deaf culture significantly impacted her performance, contributing to the film’s success and positive reception within the Deaf community.
6. What are some tips for effective language acquisition that can be learned from Emilia Jones’s experience?
Key tips include immersion, cultural understanding, consistent practice, setting realistic goals, and utilizing available resources for language learning.
7. How can LEARNS.EDU.VN help you learn a new language?
LEARNS.EDU.VN offers comprehensive language courses, expert instructors, cultural immersion activities, language exchange partners, and flexible learning options to support your language learning journey.
8. What other challenges did Emilia Jones face while filming “CODA”?
Besides learning ASL, Jones had to master an American accent, develop her singing voice, and learn how to fish to accurately portray her character.
9. How did the cast of “CODA” develop a close-knit family dynamic on and off-screen?
The cast spent time together even on weekends, creating a supportive and collaborative environment that enhanced the authenticity and emotional depth of the film.
10. What is Emilia Jones doing now, and what are her future aspirations?
Following the success of “CODA,” Emilia Jones continues to pursue diverse roles, including starring in “Cat Person,” and is committed to promoting inclusivity and raising awareness about important social issues.
Are you inspired by Emilia Jones’s journey to learn ASL? Visit LEARNS.EDU.VN today to discover the resources and support you need to embark on your own language learning adventure! Contact us at 123 Education Way, Learnville, CA 90210, United States, Whatsapp: +1 555-555-1212, or visit our website at learns.edu.vn to explore our comprehensive language courses and start learning today.
