Glossolalia, or “speaking in tongues,” is a vocalization of an unfamiliar language often associated with religious practices. It is debated whether it is a real language or just gibberish, and some associate it with demonic possession. It is practiced in many religions and has been linked to reduced stress levels.
Glossolalia, sometimes called “speaking in tongues,” is a phenomenon in which a person vocalizes in an unfamiliar, unintelligible language. Glossolalia often occurs as part of a religious practice. In some Christian traditions, the phenomenon is believed to mean that a person is “filled with the Holy Spirit.”
There is some disagreement as to what exactly glossolalia is. Glossolalia is sometimes thought to be a language the speaker does not know, but many recorded cases are not as intelligible as any known language. Alternatively, some interpret glossolalia as unfamiliar spiritual language, while others think it is just gibberish. Technically, spontaneous speech in a language unknown to the speaker, but recognized as a real-world language, is called xenoglossy. Xenoglossy, which can also be called “speaking in tongues,” is sometimes associated with channeling spirits or demonic possession rather than a spiritually elevated state.
Participants in a religious practice that includes glossolalia may be able not only to produce glossolalia, but also to understand the glossolalia of others. In the best-known Biblical account of glossolalia, the story of Pentecost in the book of Acts, the Apostles’ glossolalia is understood by many witnesses to be speech in each of their several native tongues. Today, the Pentecostal and Charismatic Christian denominations are best known for their use of glossolalia. It is a part of private prayer rather than public worship for many practitioners, who say it brings a feeling of peace.
Glossolalia is a contentious issue in the Christian Church, with strong opinions on both sides of the issue. The practice is not limited to Christianity, however, but appears in religions around the world. In ancient times it was particularly practiced by the Greek Oracle of Delphi and by the Roman Gnostics.
Psychologists and neurologists have conducted a few studies on glossolalia over the years, with varying conclusions. Towards the end of the century, psychologists Emil Kraepelin and GB Cutten linked the phenomenon to schizophrenia, although modern psychologists do not recognize this link. Nicholas Spanos and others believe the ability to speak in tongues is acquired. The practice has recently been linked to reduced stress levels, and a 2006 University of Pennsylvania study found that the brain has less activity in language areas and more activity in emotional areas during glossolalia.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
