DA Gadgets 
Twins
Matthew
and
Michael
Youlden
have
developed
a
unique
language
called
Umeri,
spoken
exclusively
by
them.
The
Youlden
twins,
originally
from
Manchester,
UK,
are
known
for
their
linguistic
abilities,
each
fluent
in
25
languages.
However,
Umeri
holds
a
special
place
in
their
hearts.
They
first
started
creating
the
language
as
children,
and
it
has
grown
into
a
complex
form
of
communication
that
continues
to
connect
them,
even
as
they
now
live
in
different
countries.
A
Personal
Language
Born
from
a
Close
Bond
The
Youldens’
journey
with
Umeri
began
early
in
life,
inspired
by
their
close
relationship
and
exposure
to
various
languages.
Dr.
Nancy
Segal,
Director
of
the
Twin
Studies
Center
at
California
State
University,
notes
that
up
to
40%
of
twin
toddlers
develop
unique
communication
patterns,
often
known
as
“twin
speak.”
This
phenomenon,
described
as
“cryptophasia”
or
“private
speech,”
typically
fades
as
twins
grow
older
and
start
interacting
with
more
people.
Yet
for
Matthew
and
Michael,
their
shared
language
only
grew
stronger,
reflecting
a
bond
that
has
remained
remarkably
close.
A
Language
That
Evolves
with
the
Times
Unlike
most
“twin
languages,”
Umeri
has
expanded
and
adapted
as
the
Youlden
twins
aged.
Their
language
now
includes
modern
words
for
items
like
“iPad”
and
“lightning
cable.”
Their
childhood
fascination
with
languages
led
them
to
study
multiple
tongues,
incorporating
elements
from
each
into
Umeri.
Though
originally
written
in
a
self-made
alphabet,
Umeri
is
now
expressed
in
the
Latin
alphabet
for
ease.
The
Lasting
Impact
of
Umeri
on
Their
Lives
Karen
Thorpe,
a
child
development
specialist,
explains
that
private
languages
among
twins
often
arise
from
deep
personal
connections,
something
not
unique
to
twins
alone.
Despite
living
apart—Michael
in
Gran
Canaria
and
Matthew
in
the
Basque
Country—the
twins
remain
close
through
Umeri.
However,
they
don’t
intend
to
pass
it
on,
seeing
it
as
an
intimate
bond
unique
to
their
shared
experience.
