"Don't Mind Her, She Speaks In Hieroglyphics!"

We have all been in those situations, the ones where you are just dying to say something to your friends but there is someone nearby who you cannot risk the message getting to. Maybe you've been those other people. For instance, as a small child perhaps your parents spoke a different language or spelled out buzz words so you wouldn't be able to eavesdrop on the conversation. However, as we become more literate, these primitive strategies become far less workable. Therefore, alternative alternative languages for secret communication between friends, spouses, boyfriends and girlfriends, etc must be created in order to make sure the information doesn't fall on the wrong ears. I like to call this language hieroglyphics. As I am very aware that hieroglyphics actually refers to the writing system created by the ancient Egyptians consisting of various symbols and pictures rather than what we use now for words, I think it is an accurate term for this form of communication because it involves deciphering if you don't understand it and can sound ridiculous to the untrained ear.

In order to effectively create this language, one must first establish with whom they will share it. It's important that they practice using it together in a typical conversational context on a regular basis in order to effectively use it in the somewhat awkward situation for which it is intended. Also, make sure that any explanations of new phrases, etc (or acronyms depending on the linguistic system you adopt) take place only with those who should hear them.

Additionally, it is important to come up with a plan for what you will do in case someone catches on to your hieroglyphic language. It may be something as simple as one of those in the conversation saying to the questioner, "Don't mind her, she speaks in hieroglyphics!" and playing your code language off as a joke. Otherwise, if you are good at catching onto social ques and realize that your unintended audience realizes what's going on you will need to quickly transition away from this public private conversation and save it for an actual private setting.

In order to effectively communicate with this inner group of friends the groundwork must be worked on but the conversations and flow of information will definitely be worth it in the end.