The
Deseret
Codex

Know before you go

1. Vocabulary Divergence

Religious and Cultural Terms: Deseret’s language reflects its unique cultural and religious influences, with vocabulary heavily shaped by LDS terminology and values. Words and phrases related to family, community, and faith take on added significance (ie “Gathering Room” instead of “Meeting Room”)

Isolation from U.S. Slang: Without access to contemporary U.S. media, Deseret citizens  developed their own slang, drawing from religious and local idioms. U.S. slang terms like “selfie,” “binge-watch,” or “ghosting” do not exist.

Formal Vocabulary and Archaisms: With a conservative culture and emphasis on tradition, Deseret favors older, more formal vocabulary and preserves archaic expressions that have fallen out of use in the U.S. Words like “courting” instead of “dating” or “communing” instead of “hanging out” could remain in common usage.

NOTE: Iranians and foreigners in Deseret still tend to use contractions due to most foreign students learning British English and the world predominance of American TV and Movies.

2. Pronunciation Shifts

Regional Accent Development: Deseret’s English develops distinct pronunciation traits influenced by its cultural isolation and unique geographic regions. For example, influences from the original Utah and Nevada settlers and regional dialects (like Western U.S. accents) are more pronounced, diverging from mainstream American pronunciation over time.

Religious or Cultural Intonations: LDS leaders or public figures influence public speaking styles, resulting in a distinct intonation or cadence which is slower and more formal, or with unique emphasis on certain words or phrases considered respectful.

3. Grammar and Syntax Variations

Preservation of Formal Grammar: In keeping with Deseret’s more conservative culture, grammar remains formal, with less frequent or no use of contractions or casual sentence structures. For example, people might say “I cannot” rather than “I can’t” or “It is not appropriate” instead of “That’s not cool.”

Community-Focused Language: Syntax reflects community and religious values, with Deseret speakers more frequently using collective pronouns like “we” instead of “I,” especially in official settings or public statements. Phrases like “Our people believe…” or “Our community values…” replace more individualistic expressions.

4. Unique Expressions and Idioms

Religious and Cultural Idioms: Common expressions in Deseret draw heavily from LDS teachings and values, creating idioms unique to the culture. Phrases such as “busy as a beehive” (for industriousness), “hold to the rod” (staying on the right path), or “the valley” (referencing the Salt Lake Valley and Deseret’s cultural roots) are everyday idioms.

5. Censored or Altered Language

Avoidance of U.S.-Specific Terminology: Without full access to U.S. media, certain phrases or cultural references do not exist in Deseret. Words related to trends, pop culture, and controversial social topics (like “influencer,” “sexy,” or “liberal”) do not exist. “Queer” has a negative connotation.

New Terms for Foreign Influence: Deseret adopted specific terms to describe external influences, especially from the U.S. “Babylon” is used to refer to areas outside of Deseret. “Gentiles” are used to refer to foreigners who are not allies.

Example Sentence Comparisons

U.S. English: “I’m gonna catch a quick coffee with friends before heading to the office.”

Deseret English: “I shall attend a gathering before beginning my duties at work.”

U.S. English: “She’s binge-watching a new series this weekend.”

Deseret English: “She shall spend her sabbath viewing television.”

U.S. English: “He’s trying to find himself.”

Deseret English: “He is seeking his purpose in faith.”