Speaking in tongues

Speaking in tongues is a phenomenon where people utter speech-like sounds. This practice is often called glossolalia. The term comes from Greek words meaning "tongue" and "to speak."

For many believers, these sounds represent a divine language. They often feel they are communicating in a way they do not consciously understand. Sometimes, a distinction is made between glossolalia and xenolalia. Xenolalia, or xenoglossy, is the specific belief that the speaker is using a natural human language they never previously learned.

Linguists have analyzed the mechanics of these vocalizations to understand their structure. In 1972, William J. Samarin from the University of Toronto conducted a massive study. He spent five years recording glossolalia in Italy, the Netherlands, Jamaica, Canada, and the United States. His research included diverse groups like Puerto Ricans in the Bronx and Molokans from Russia. Samarin found that the speech resembles human language on a surface level. It uses rhythm, accent, intonation, and pauses to create distinct units.

While the sounds look like language, Samarin argued they lack deep organization. He found that the syllables are made from vowels and consonants the speaker already knows. These sounds are arranged in a way that sounds word-like or sentence-like. However, the speech lacks a systematic relationship between sounds and concepts. Samarin defined it as meaningless but phonologically structured human utterance. This means the sounds follow the patterns of speech without actually communicating specific information. Other researchers, such as Felicitas Goodman, found that these patterns often reflect the speaker's native language.

Historical records show that ideas of divine speech date back to classical antiquity. In the Greco-Roman world, many believed divine beings used languages different from humans. The Testament of Job describes the daughters of Job singing in angelic languages. The philosopher Iamblichus linked this type of speech to prophecy. He believed prophecy involved being filled with a divine spirit that emitted words. The Greek philosopher Celsus also wrote about early Christians in Palestine. He described their utterances as incoherent and meaningless to intelligent people.

Early Christian history contains several references to this practice. The New Testament in the book of Acts describes followers of Christ receiving the Holy Spirit. In this account, they spoke in the languages of at least fifteen different ethnic groups. In the 2nd century, Irenaeus mentioned people speaking all kinds of languages through the Spirit. By 207 AD, Tertullian wrote about the spiritual gift of interpreting these tongues. During the 12th century, Bernard of Clairvaux suggested that such miracles were less important than the transformed lives of believers. He believed true faith was shown through charity and the removal of sin.

Many different religious traditions have documented the practice through the centuries. In the 12th century, Hildegard of Bingen was said to write in Latin without formal training. In the 15th century, critics of the Moravians claimed they spoke in disconnected jargon. During the 17th century, the French Prophets and early Quakers like Edward Burrough recorded speaking in new tongues. In the 19th century, Edward Irving observed a woman speaking in an unknown tongue with great strength. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also has extensive records of this practice. By 1830, many members believed they were speaking the original language of Adam.

Specific events highlight the significance of these beliefs in certain communities. For example, during the 1836 dedication of the Kirtland Temple, leaders sought the gift of tongues. Brigham Young famously spoke in tongues during this service. This practice often connects religious identity to ancient traditions or divine communication. It remains a subject that bridges the gap between linguistic science and religious faith. While scientists study the phonological structure, believers find profound spiritual meaning in the experience.