Keywords
missionary-based linguistic register, structured service shaping speech, coming-of-age linguistic identity
Abstract
Today’s presentation is on a particular way of speaking among certain members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Specifically, today I’ll be telling you about Latter-day Saint missionaries, who you may encountered before. Let’s set aside any preconceived notions you may have about missionaries or their faith and explore what appears to be an emerging missionary-based register.
In essence, missionaries are Latter-day Saint volunteers who dedicate 18 months to two years to tell others about their faith. They’re assigned around the world and often have to learn a new language, are typically college-aged, and adhere to strict rules of dress and behavior. Their preparation encompasses emotional, financial, and spiritual aspects, and their service is considered a pivotal, coming-of-age experience. I suspect that these years of anticipation, prominence in our church culture, strict rules, and great personal significance all contribute to the emergence of a linguistic register.
Original Publication Citation
Joshua Stevensen & Joseph A. Stanley. “The Missionary Voice: Perceptions of an Emerging Register.” Linguistic Society of America Annual Meeting. New York City. January 4.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Stevenson, Josh; Stanley, Joseph A.; and Baker-Smemoe, Wendy, "The Missionary Voice: Perceptions of an Emerging Register" (2023). Faculty Publications. 7964.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/7964
Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
2023
Publisher
Linguistic Society of America Annual Meeting
Language
English
College
Humanities
Department
Linguistics
Copyright Use Information
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