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Presentation

PRESENTATION: Career Preparation
PRESENTER: Christopher DeSantis, Senior Linguist at the Church Translation Office (Scripture & Temple Translation Department)
TIME: Friday, October 17th

Summary by Tom Caswell
Modified by Michael Rushforth

There comes a time in every linguistics or humanities student's life when the need for a pep talk is great.  (For some of us this need comes quite regularly.)   Near the end of Homecoming week the members of the Linguistics Society were given such a boost by Christopher DeSantis, of the Church's Translation Department.  He shared his life story, telling of how he was led to study different languages in school and on a mission to Austria.  He pointed out the guiding influence of the Spirit in various critical choices in his life.

As a supervisor in the Translation Department of the Church, Christopher DeSantis and his department are responsible for translation decisions regarding the Book of Mormon and other modern-day scriptures. Brother DeSantis shared some fascinating examples of problems the Translation Department has faced, including a dilemma that occurred during the translation of the Book of Mormon into Vietnamese.  He explained how the translation of the words "brother of Jared" turned into a doctrinal question.  The problem was the word "brother".  There is no exact translation.  The closest Vietnamese words are those for "older brother" and "younger brother".  Thus, a decision had to be made regarding the age relationship between Jared and his brother.  Brother DeSantis said this matter was brought before the First Presidency, and a final decision was made.  All translation decisions are made with the Spirit, he said.  The brother of Jared question and many others which the Translation Department cannot resolve alone are passed along to various committees for consideration. Many of these questions reach the First Presidency.

Brother DeSantis' presentation was entertaining, informative and inspiring.  He urged all those who were not sure of their choice of major to "make it a matter of prayer." His experiences show how the Lord can guide the academic choices, careers and lives of those who seek to build up His work.



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