Though idiosyncratic and sentimental, twin brothers Matthew and Michael Youlden, super-polyglots fluent in over two dozen languages would call their shared Umeri ‘secret’ as the above Greek term implies. Via Clive Thompson’s latest Linkfest (much more to explore there), we are directed to a fascinating profile and further linguistic exploration of the phenomenon of private language creation among fraternal and identical siblings. Often left to themselves by their parents over such preternatural bonds displayed in other ways, as many as forty percent of twin develop such forms of communication. While most age out with it being displaced by their mother tongue—shared mannerisms and a few unique words might stick around, the Youldens continued to evolve Umeri, adding new vocabulary, a script and continue to communicate to each other with it. More at the links above.
synchronoptica
one year ago: a trove of antique glass-plate negatives saved from the rubbish (with synchronoptica) plus assorted links worth the revisit
seven years ago: expressive Italian words, Miss Peru competition makes a statement plus amplifying random noise
eight years ago: London’s necropolis train, soothing videos for housebound pets, a cult in Oregon tries to influence a local election plus glam rock emoji
nine years ago: Germany returns Afghani refugees
ten years ago: concepts of the Cosmos