The Greek that is often translated as “speaking with tongues” in English is translated these ways:
- Uma: “speak with languages from the Holy Spirit” (source: Uma Back Translation)
- Yakan: “speak languages that are not understood by the people” (source: Yakan Back Translation)
- Western Bukidnon Manobo: “speak in languages which [the speakers] do not know” (source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
- Tagbanwa: “speak different languages that [the speakers] haven’t studied” (source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
- Teutila Cuicatec: “speaking other different languages”
- Lalana Chinantec: “speaking in other people’s Chinantec”
- Eastern Highland Otomi: “speaking strange languages” (source for his and two above: Viola Waterhouse in Notes on Translation August 1966, p. 86ff.)
- Indonesian Alkitab Terjemahan Lama version (publ. 1958): “speak the language of the spirit” (bahasa roh) — “which leaves a strong impression that this is a mystical experience.” (Source: Ekaputra Tupamahu in: Journal for the Study of the New Testament 2018, 41/2, p. 223ff.)
In most Protestant Mandarin Chinese translations, the term fāngyán (方言) or “dialect / regional language” is used. The widely-used Catholic Sigao translation uses yǔyán 语言 (語言) or “language” instead. (See also W. Chong in Religions 2024, 15, p. 288ff. )
In the German New Testament translation by Berger / Nord (publ. 1999) it is translated as in den Sprachen der Engel reden or “speaking in the language of angels.” The translatos explain (p. 104): “According to Jewish understanding, angels primarily spoke Hebrew. The ‘languages’ of angels are specific texts (such as songs). This is not related to a formal knowledge of language.” Note that in the latter part of 1 Corinthians 14 (from verse 26 on), Berger / Nord use “foreign language” instead.