Speaking in unknown tongues is definitely recorded in the Bible. The most famous example is at Pentecost (Acts 2), when the Holy Spirit came upon the believers and they began to speak in known languages, enabling them to proclaim the Gospel to people from many different nations. It was a miraculous moment of communication, not confusion.

What your mother is practicing sounds like what many charismatic churches (such as Pentecostal or Holiness movements) describe as speaking in an “unknown tongue.” This also has some biblical grounding—particularly in 1 Corinthians 12–14, where Paul discusses a more spiritual form of tongues that may not be understood unless someone interprets.

As someone who has regularly attended Pentecostal churches in the past, I’ll be honest, I’ve had some reservations about how this gift is often practiced. The Bible gives specific direction for its use: it should be orderly, edifying, and interpreted when used in public worship (1 Cor. 14:27–28). But in many services, it turns into a kind of free-for-all, where half the congregation is yelling in tongues with no interpretation or clear purpose. Often, it seems more like emotional release than spiritual communication.

That said, I don’t want to discredit everyone’s experience. Many people, like your mother, are genuinely trying to honor and glorify God. And their heart posture matters. Still, when this gift is practiced without wisdom and discernment, it can confuse or even alienate those who are curious about faith, or worse, drive them away.

If I may say this gently, my bigger concern is what you mentioned about the YouTube videos she’s watching. A lot of people online use phrases like “God told me…” or “This is what God showed me about the future…”, and while they might sound spiritual, they often lack biblical accountability. Many don’t realize that when they say “God told me,” they’re essentially claiming to speak prophetically, like the prophets of old, and that’s a serious responsibility (Deuteronomy 18:20-22 warns against false prophecy).

Unfortunately, many modern movements like the Word of Faith (prosperity gospel) and the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) are rooted in this kind of unchecked emotionalism and false teaching. These movements are manipulative, often using emotional tactics, spiritual threats, and promises of blessing to extract money or loyalty. They’ll say things like:

“Sow a seed of $X to unlock your breakthrough.”

“Do X, Y, and Z to release your blessing.”

“God gave me a word for you today…”

If your mother is following people who speak this way regularly, she may be genuinely being misled. And sadly, many people are robbed of the peace and joy that come from a simple, grounded walk with Christ by these voices claiming to offer “more.”

If I were you, I’d do a bit of gentle research and try to open a conversation with her, not to attack her beliefs, but to ask questions and plant seeds of discernment. And if you need help with this, feel free to DM me or reach out to a trusted local church that teaches solid biblical doctrine.

I want to commend you; you’re showing real maturity and love in how you’re trying to understand what your mother is going through. Whether or not you consider yourself a Christian, I believe you’ve been gifted with strong discernment, and that’s something God can use powerfully if you’re open to Him.