Defection of language
Language is identity, and we all betray it, willingly or not.
The defection of Oleg Gordievsky, a KGB double agent who leaked invaluable intelligence to Britain’s MI6 is, for me, the most remarkable defection of the modern era. Gordievsky’s intelligence guided Western policy during the final years of the Cold War and is credited by historians with helping to avert a potential nuclear strike by the, then Soviet Union.
Everyone betrays their language at some point.
Alcohol acts as a willing accomplice here. Most who have drunk to excess have woken with that same yawning predicament: “Oh no, what did I say, and to whom?” Not to mention, what did I do!
Relocation assists in language defection too. I laugh when I hear Australian YouTube golfers saying “Golly,” “Darn it,” “Wow, that cannot be” after hitting errant shots. I’ve spent considerable time in the U.S. recently and found my vernacular adjusting—tagging “right” on the end of statements and questions: “We turn next left, right?” Now that’s confusing—and dangerous.
“G’day”—I say it all the time when a stranger says, “How’s it going?” What’s wrong with a simple “Hello?” Or, if there’s genuine interest, “Hello, how are you?” My Mancunian tongue winces in pain.
Bill Clinton defected when he admitted to “not having sexual relations...” A president using such language. How improper.
My friend Sam—born and raised in Accrington, the hotbed of Western straight talk—admitted only last night to using the phrase “Fair dinkum.” Gordievsky-like defection, (right there.)
And if you’re a parent, listen to yourself when called to school to explain why your little cherub gave the music teacher the bird. Oh yes, momentarily, you slip into proper mode, (right there.)—that’s defection.
Everyone betrays their language.
Anyways—more Americana—you might be glad to know Gordievsky escaped Russia via Finland and settled in the suburban town of Godalming, Surrey. His defection did come at considerable personal cost. There’s a link below to a wonderful BBC docuserie.
Happy Tuesday. Have a good one—whatever that means.
Nick
