The first mention of speaking in tongues is in Acts 2.

The apostles were given the ability to speak in different languages.

There are many misunderstandings about the Holy spirit and the issue of speaking in tongues.

1. The gift of the Holy Spirit is given by God when a person is saved. Every Christian has the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
"Peter replied, ‘Repent and baptized every one in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’"
(Act 2:38)

2. Spiritual Gifts are abilities given to individuals by the Holy Spirit. A list of these gifts is found in I Corinthians 12:7-11.

2. Spiritual Gifts were passed on by the apostles laying their hands on individual Christians. (Acts 8:17-20)

How are Spiritual Gifts passed on?

One of the gifts is speaking in tongues.