Iglesia en Punta del Este in Uruguay by Sergio Arteaga
Iglesia en Punta del Este in Uruguay by Sergio Arteaga
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Exponent II features the work of guest authors writing about issues related to Mormonism and feminism. Submit a guest post Write for Exponent II.

God’s Language

By Leticia Storrs

Leticia Storrs is a Uruguayan living in Salt Lake City and a first-time contributor to Exponent II.

In the beginning, was it “the Word” or “el Verbo?” (John 1:1 / Juan 1:1) Does translation enrich or diminish meaning? 

While I do not want to sound overly skeptical, I’m not entirely sure God’s language is English. It was simply the language used to describe the First Vision. But do we experience the same feelings when we encounter the First Vision or other spiritual recollections in other languages? 

As someone who deeply believes in the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I’ve come to realize that after years of studying, reading, and listening to the Gospel in English, the semiotic, or symbolic, connections don’t always translate effectively across cultures. This isn’t just about pragmatism; it’s about how the Gospel applies to daily life. 

For example, what does a person struggling to survive in a Brazilian “morro” (a small village) hope to gain from a blessing, compared to someone praying for a Tesla in North America? 

When literally translated, a “word” isn’t the same as  a “verbo” or “verb.” A verb signifies an “action” — such as, to do, to share, to love. When we read Juan 1:1 in Spanish, the use of “verbo” helps us understand that it’s not just about passively waiting for life to offer something, but actively shaping our lives and destinies in living the Gospel. 

As a native Uruguayan who immigrated to the United States, I generally start conversations by apologizing: “Please, excuse my accent.” It’s a strong, deep accent from South America that stands out as foreign, even when I speak my native language. The way I speak is distinctly different from the Spanish accents of Central or North America. (I like to note that we’re all Americans with accents, whether we’re born near Argentina’s Perito Moreno Glacier or Alaska’s Aleutian Islands.) 

In my daily life, I don’t have time at the grocery store to explain, “I’ve worked hard to study and improve my English, and despite my accent, my comprehension is excellent.” I often feel that after about two seconds, the listener just assumes: “Oh, another foreigner who doesn’t understand…”

Language is how we internalize life and connect with our Heavenly Father. For me, it is really powerful during English ward meetings to hear prayers in different languages. As an online student in BYU Pathways, I heard opening or closing prayers in at least three languages besides English last semester. On one occasion, I couldn’t understand a single word, yet the Spirit among us was so powerful that it became a memorable moment I’ll recount for years to come. 

God's Language

How do we feel when someone stands before us in a public space and begins praying in a foreign language? 

Does the Holy Spirit help us navigate such experiences? For me, the answer is 

The use of language involves two parties: the one who speaks and the one who listens. Communication fails if both parties aren’t on the same wavelength. So, how can we achieve that shared connection with our brothers and sisters? It’s not merely about showcasing expertise or the spiritual gift of tongues, it’s about coming together in His name. Two thousand years ago, our Lord did this so effectively that the truth spoken in Aramaic still resonates with us today.

I boldly testify that the only way to stay aligned with God’s language frequency and follow the Gospel’s path is by faithfully walking in His ways. Following Him. 

If there’s one thing I deeply pray for as the new year begins, it’s the bond, unity, and profound connection among brothers and sisters from all walks of life, united in following Him and His teachings, beyond languages.

The comic image is from Quino, an extraordinary Argentinian cartoonist. The Church building is Iglesia en Punta del Este in Uruguay by  Sergio Arteaga on Unsplash.

Exponent II features the work of guest authors writing about issues related to Mormonism and feminism. Submit a guest post Write for Exponent II.

4 Responses

  1. Welcome to the blog! It was so interesting to read about your experiences with the gospel as it is translated to you in the English language. I loved the one General Conference when speakers were invited to speak in the first language, and I would love to see us do that again. The gospel is supposed to transcend mortal words, not be confined to one language.

    1. I LOVED that general conference as well. I wonder why it only happened once. It felt different; felt more alive to me to hear people speaking different languages.

  2. I’m going to be thinking about the difference between “the Word” and “el Verbo” for a while. That’s a fascinating difference. Thanks for making me aware of it!

  3. I have a toddler level ability to speak a second language (French) so it puzzles me when people, like in the grocery store example you mentioned, assume someone speaking a language other than their first language doesn’t comprehend a second language if they speak with an accent. My comprehension is much higher than my speaking ability. It sound exasperating to deal with this misunderstanding in daily life.
    Your last paragraph is beautiful. Creating connection with others from all walks of life is why I think church exists.

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