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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