Use of Language

There were two resolutions (G17 and G18) which dealt with languages. The World Church is a World Church, currently in about 50 nations, with some contacts in five or ten more. Needless to say, there are many languages used. In fact, the conference itself is translated into five or six languages, including French, Spanish, Tahitian, Russian, and others.

This results in language differences permeating the conference. Many times the chair had to warn people to slow down in their speaking so translators could catch up. In addition, the daily bulletins were translated as well. While all the resolutions I cite are written in English, some were written originally in other languages. In fact, G18 was probably written in French originally.

There were other instances of different languages making a difference. For example, C06 World Conference Format and Frequency has the words "published in the Herald," which was objected to on the grounds that the Herald (the church publication) is published in English, and is not received in a lot of different countries.

G17 is a resolution requesting that material published by the World Church be published in languages other than English simultaneously in languages other than English. It was amended and passed after some discussion.

This resolution, while good in theory, is dangerous because of the cost. In addition, differences in culture quite often mean that the publications intended for an English speaking audience is not appropriate for an audience other than English. Alan Tyre pointed this out. He talked about trying to translate things, but discovered that 80% of the content not relevant. For example, the English materials talked about sweeping and moping floors, and the culture he was translating it into had dirt floors. Even I have been around enough to know this is the case in other areas as well. Much more appropriate would be to generate the materials in other languages as well as English.

Another problem is authors. That is, if something is published, then it must be written, there must be an author. The church simply publishes that which is available, and there are more English authors in the church than authors in other languages.

G18 was also passed. This was from the French caucus, and suggests that future conference resolutions not have such English dependent wording. "In the Herald" is cited specifically. While I doubt this will have any real affect, except on resolutions presented by the church leaders, it is a good idea, and I'm glad to see it pass.

There was another resolution, G16, which in sense deals with language. This resolution asks the church to do something about the attempts by the Mormon church to declare the words Book of Mormon as a trademark in all countries of the world. This would prevent the church from mentioning the Book of Mormon in its literature, which would probably shut the church down.

A statement was read by the church's lawyer stating that the church was aware of this problem, and was working with the Mormon church on this. As the lawyer said, we have to work with them because they are so much wealthier than us that we could not fight them in court.

The resolution was referred to the church's legal department.