Cryptophasia is a rare phenomenon in which two individuals, typically siblings, develop a distinct language that is not shared with others. This phenomenon has been studied in psychology and linguistics since the early 20th century.
Cryptophasia is considered a form of private language, in which two people develop a unique language with specific vocabulary and grammar. The language is often accompanied by gestures and facial expressions, and it typically develops in childhood. It is usually learned rather than taught, and it is not often shared with others outside of the two individuals.
Studies of cryptophasia have provided insight into the complexity of language acquisition and the ways in which children develop their own unique forms of communication. While the phenomenon is rare, it is thought to be a natural phenomenon, with one study finding that siblings who develop cryptophasia are more likely to be close in age and have similar personalities (Geschwind & Galaburda, 1985).
Cryptophasia has also been studied in terms of its origin. While some research suggests that cryptophasia may be due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors (Geschwind & Galaburda, 1985), other research has suggested that the development of cryptophasia is due to a lack of exposure to other languages (Lenneberg, 1967).
In conclusion, cryptophasia is a rare phenomenon in which two individuals develop a unique language. It has been studied in psychology and linguistics since the early 20th century, and has provided insight into the complexity of language acquisition and the ways in which children develop their own unique forms of communication. While the origin of cryptophasia is still unknown, it is thought to be a natural phenomenon, likely due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors.
References
Geschwind, N., & Galaburda, A. (1985). Cerebral lateralization: Biological mechanisms, associations, and pathology. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
Lenneberg, E. (1967). Biological foundations of language. New York, NY: Wiley.