Sociolinguistic vs. Neurophysiological Explanations for Glossolalia: Comment on Goodman's Paper

The motivation for engaging in this anomalous form of speech in Pentecostalism is not to be found in psychological explanations of pathology (critically evaluated in Samarin, 1972a: chapter 2). It is provided by this Christian movement itself. People want to speak in tongues (its more common designation in the movement), because it is evidence of "being filled with the Holy Spirit." That is its theological meaning. From a different perspective, speaking in tongues (if only on one occasion) is symbolic of identification with and integration into the charismatic movement. That is its sociological meaning (Samarin, 1970). The sociolinguistic meaning of glossolalia is located in its apposition with normal language. Once the charismatist has developed the facility of producing glossolalic discourse (acquired by some almost instantaneously, by others with considerable practice, but much more easily than is generally imagined), he has the choice of using either human language or the heavenly language in the exercise of his religion. (There are, however, some interesting extensions into the "secular" domain). He can give a prophetic pronouncement, pray, or praise God in either glossolalia or whatever his usual language may be. He exercises a choice, and his decision results from a consideration of the contextual variables-variables that are significant within this specific ethos. The social role (read also "religious function") of glossolalia is therefore founded in its appropriateness in given situations. And appropriateness is regulated by a body