Whether "tongue," referring to glossolalia (speaking in tongues), is a real language depends on how "language" is defined. Glossolalia, often associated with religious practices, lacks the key characteristics that define human languages.
What is Glossolalia?
Glossolalia involves uttering speech-like sounds or syllables that often lack linguistic structure or meaning to the speaker or listeners. It's frequently observed in Pentecostal and Charismatic Christian practices, but also appears in other religious and non-religious contexts.
Why Glossolalia Isn't Considered a Language:
According to the reference, a language has two key characteristics that glossolalia lacks:
- Internal organization: Real languages have grammar, syntax, and other structural rules. Glossolalia generally doesn't demonstrate these consistent patterns.
- Systematic relation to the world: Languages allow us to describe and interact with the world around us. Glossolalia typically doesn't convey specific, translatable meaning about the world. As stated, "glossolalia is not a specimen of human language because it is neither internally organized nor systematically related to the world man perceives".
Language vs. Non-Language
| Feature | Real Language | Glossolalia |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Grammar, syntax, rules | Lacking consistent structural rules |
| Meaning | Communicates specific information | Primarily expressive, lacking defined meaning |
| World Relationship | Describes the world | Not systematically related to the world |
| Communication | Used for communication | Used for expression, not communication |
Conclusion
Therefore, in the linguistic sense, and as highlighted by the provided reference, glossolalia is not considered a "real language" because it lacks the fundamental organizational and communicative features that define human language. It is a form of vocal expression, but not a language used for meaningful communication or representation of the world.
