In a remarkable showcase of linguistic talent, identical twins Matthew and Michael Youlden have captivated the world with their ability to speak 26 languages. But their most intriguing creation is not just another dialect; it’s their own unique language, Umeri, which has no roots in the annals of etymology.
Hailing from the multicultural city of Manchester, UK, the Youldens’ journey into the world of languages began in their early childhood. Their experiences in a diverse community fueled their passion for foreign languages, but it was their bond as twins that led them to create something entirely personal: Umeri. “Umeri isn’t just a language; it reflects the deep bond we share as identical twins,” they told the BBC, emphasizing its sentimental value and significance to their relationship.
Interestingly, Umeri is not merely a means of private communication. The twins fondly recall how, even in preschool, their guardians were often bewildered by the inside jokes shared in their unique twin language. As they grew, they expanded their linguistic repertoire, starting with Spanish during a family vacation at just eight years old, followed by Italian and various Scandinavian languages, all while perfecting Umeri’s grammatical structure.
The phenomenon of twins developing a private language, known as cryptophasia, is not uncommon. Studies estimate that between 30% to 50% of twins engage in this type of communication. While this exclusive language can strengthen the bond between twins, it also carries a risk of alienation from their peers. “Twins have this shared language that they often stop using, as if they feel ashamed of it,” Matthew explained. As the Youldens embraced Umeri, friends and family often shrugged, noting, “They’re off doing the language thing again.”
However, experts warn that such private communication can hinder social development. Nancy Segal, director of the Twin Studies Center at California State University, points out the potential negative impacts on twins who rely solely on their twin language. “Parents often leave twins alone because they entertain each other, which means they miss out on valuable interactions with adult language models,” she cautioned.
This warning echoes the experiences of Barbadian twins June and Jennifer Gibbons, who, after facing bullying and a shared speech impediment in 1970s Wales, became so withdrawn that they only communicated with each other. Their struggles culminated in a life of crime, leading to their commitment to a high-security psychiatric facility. “We were desperate, we were trapped in our twinship and trapped in that language,” June recalled in a 2023 BBC podcast, highlighting the darker side of twin language.
Despite the risks, Matthew and Michael Youlden have no intention of passing down Umeri. Instead, they continue to develop and refine their language for their own enjoyment, acknowledging that “it’s one of those things that unfortunately does have an expiry date to it.”
Experts like Karen Thorpe, who studies language development in twins at the University of Queensland, note that while twins may not invent entirely new languages, they often create unique forms of the language they are exposed to, incorporating special nicknames and non-verbal cues that are uniquely their own.
As Matthew and Michael chart their path in the world of linguistics, they stand as a testament to the power of language and the unique bond that twins can share. While Umeri may not be destined for future generations, its legacy as a symbol of their connection is sure to endure, reminding us all of the beauty in diversity and the intricate ways we communicate.
