Secret Language

Zorley was the name of my first "secret language." My best friend and I made it up when we were in 7th grade. It came in handy, considering it had all the needed code names for the people we talked about most, as well as the phrases we needed. But soon after we typed up over 10 pages of "common phrases," we were tired of it and it soon faded from our vocabulary. Nevertheless, it gave us a thrill... to talk and be understood only by each other.

My family also has a "secret language," though our secret language depends on the circumstances of where we are. We speak Hungarian. It's rather obscure in the U.S... there have only been a few (very awkward) occasions where someone has actually understood. When you have a secret language, you let your guard down. You say everything that comes to mind. You happily pour out your frustrations at the person that cut you off in the grocery store with their shopping cart, or the slow lady in front of you that can't go up the stairs but at a snail's pace. You might comment on a strange outfit. You might have a much better people-watching experience (seeing as you can shout about an interesting situation, rather than whisper). You might get disciplined by your mother in public..... without anyone being the wiser.

The most unsettling feeling, however, is the switch when your secret language is no longer secret. In fact, there's a whole bus full of people speaking your secret language. And reverting to English won't work either, because most understand that too. There are other bilingual people in the world! Technically, it would be fine... except for the fact that by now you have forgotten what it's like to not have a secret language. So you continue to say whatever comes to mind.... which often is not ok. And so you find yourself suddenly embarrassed when the woman on the bus in front of you turns around to see who has spoken.

I suppose it's also good.... it helps me guard my tongue in every language. But such a lesson is usually learned the hard way...