Conference Talks In Native Languages

[Traela]

15 or 20 years ago, we had an elder in our ward from one of the African tribes that have clicks and pops in their alphabet. Since the general consensus was, "This kid is going to be a GA if he doesn't burn out first," I hope to someday hear Elder M'bote giving an address in his native tongue.

[Rain]

I think that is certainly true for some. As an extreme thought experiment, how do you think some English-speaking Saints would respond to a First Presidency comprised entirely of native Spanish speakers?

I am just fine with it...for the most part. Last Sunday in our ward one sister bore her testimony in Spanish and I loved it. Of course part of the reason I loved it was because I could practice listening in my weak Spanish skills.

I admit though I will have a hard time if President Uchtdorf does it though. Only because of his deep, rich voice and the sound of his different inflections. His voice is so unique for me that I will have a hard time hearing him through someone else's sounds.

Edit: wasn't thinking! Thinking back to when I heard about translators speaking the words instead of typing. I won't have to do that because I will still hear his voice in German and I know his English voice well enough that I hear it when I read it.

Edited September 9, 2014 by Rain

[Rain]

I would welcome it too, though I don't much care for seeing things from the perspective of 'diversity'.

I share that hope, but it's a tempered one. My former bishop's brother currently lives in a ward (in the Commonwealth, not the US) that is currently being torn apart along linguistic/cultural lines. Earlier this year the bishopric created a new policy that not just talks but also prayers/testimonies must be in English only. So far this policy has led to both hurt feelings and physical altercations, with mistakes, in my opinion, made on both sides. Sad, sad, sad. I much prefer the approach of my ward, where in the past month we've heard prayers/testimonies in at least four different languages.

I suspect it will be good for all members to get the message that the Kingdom of God has no official language, even if it (currently) has a dominant one.

Did he do it that way because he only understands English and wanted to make sure correct doctrine was being taught in his ward? Edited September 9, 2014 by Rain

[Avatar4321]

More opportunities for the gift of tongues or interpretation of tongues to be present.

[The Nehor]

Bring back Enochian!

[Paddy]

I would welcome it too, though I don't much care for seeing things from the perspective of 'diversity'.

But diversity appears to be at least a contributing factor in the change.

"As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are united in our testimony of the restored gospel and our commitment to keep God’s commandments. But we are diverse in our cultural, social, and political preferences. The Church thrives when we take advantage of this diversity and encourage each other to develop and use our talents to lift and strengthen our fellow disciples." - Uchtdorf

Seems like a direct application of what he said.

[Buzzard]

bite your tongue you will! Americans got bumped from being the Chosen People when you unleashed Ryan Seacrest on the world  Canadians on the other  hand are the frozen Chosen, sorry about that!

Two words: Justin Bieber. Still want to play this game?

[Duncan]

Two words: Justin Bieber. Still want to play this game?

 

yes!! he might get deported!!!! another two words Richard Simmons

[Buzzard]

yes!! he might get deported!!!! another two words Richard Simmons

My eyes!!!

On a serious note, I think this opens up opportunities to hear some Area Authority Seventies who might not speak fluent English. 

[Hamba Tuhan]

Did he do it that way because he only understands English and wanted to make sure correct doctrine was being taught in his ward?

 

It's possible, but the fact that the language demand has been accompanied by a crack-down on traditional dress at church leads me to believe that the issue is bigger than a concern about what doctrine might incidentally show up in a prayer.

[Hamba Tuhan]

But diversity appears to be at least a contributing factor in the change.

 

Don't get me wrong. I'm 100% in favour of gospel-aligned diversity in the Church and think we should bend over backward to accommodate that diversity. I just don't like to approach issues from a 'diversity perspective' ... if that subtle distinction makes any sense to anyone but me.

[jana at jade house]

 

 

Did he do it that way because he only understands English and wanted to make sure correct doctrine was being taught in his ward? 

Perhaps it comes from the same root as the guidance in the handbook for music that reads that hymns should be sung in the language of the country.  We do sing special music in English sometimes, but out of deference for our older folk I limit it.   We can have up to four languages on any Sunday in our ward.  Even with 40 people in sacrament.

It did cause a little stir in the Stake center when the Europeam sister's conference was broadcast totally in English with Dutch translation last night.  The translation was difficult because the talks were so informal. Elder Bednar was eloquent and that eloquence plus unscripted makes it crazy hard for even gifted immediate translators....

[Hamba Tuhan]

My eyes!!!

 

Some letterhead for sore eyes:

Edited September 10, 2014 by Hamba Tuhan

[Calm]

It did cause a little stir in the Stake center when the Europeam sister's conference was broadcast totally in English with Dutch translation last night.  The translation was difficult because the talks were so informal. Elder Bednar was eloquent and that eloquence plus unscripted makes it crazy hard for even gifted immediate translators....

Who spoke? I tried to access the streaming but all it would say was "English" probably because it wasn't live any more.

[Paddy]

Don't get me wrong. I'm 100% in favour of gospel-aligned diversity in the Church and think we should bend over backward to accommodate that diversity. I just don't like to approach issues from a 'diversity perspective' ... if that subtle distinction makes any sense to anyone but me.

I get you now. Thanks.

[Alan]

Will they translate into Yorkshire?

[Storm Rider]

Will they translate into Yorkshire?

 

Sorry Alan, we will translate actual earth languages, but the alien languages will all be ignored.   

[mfbukowski]

Very much a non-story, IMNSHO.

 

There have been real-time translators for conference talks for about as long as I've been alive.  And I graduated USU in . . . well, I ain't telling . . .

Golly could it possibly be 1978? 

 

Just psychic I guess....

[Mola Ram Suda Ram]

Meh.

[guerreiro9]

Very much a non-story, IMNSHO.

There have been real-time translators for conference talks for about as long as I've been alive. And I graduated USU in . . . well, I ain't telling . . .

Show me a Scotsman,

Who doesn't love the thistle.

Show me an English man,

Who doesn't love the rose.

Show me a true blooded

Aggie from Utah,

Who doesn't love the spot . . .

Where the sagebrush grows!

-guerreiro9

[Alan]

Sorry Alan, we will translate actual earth languages, but the alien languages will all be ignored.  

 

Well, I'll go t' foot of our stairs tha knows!