TWO TALK

Two Talk

Two Talk is a concise communication system that simplifies complex language into two-character symbol pairs. Instead of spelling out full words, you build concepts by combining a category (general subject) with a modifier (the specific detail).

Two Talk is:

• Fast: It turns long words and complex ideas into two-symbol pairs for rapid notetaking.
• Small: Its compact nature makes it perfect for sticky notes, margins, or limited digital fields.
• Universal: Since symbols stand for ideas (like "Place" or "Action") instead of specific words, people who speak different languages can use it to understand each other.

Download the PDF guide.

Two Talk was created by Barney Matthews. Find him on the web at barney.me

The Golden Rule

Always combine a Category (1st position) with a Modifier (2nd position) to create a word.

Key Principles

• Identity: Self is always @@ (Me/I); Others are @^ (You/Them).
• Negation: Use the - symbol (e.g., -- !^ = "Don't go").
• Questions: Start with ? (e.g., ?@ !^ ^? = "Who goes where?").
• Direction: Use < for left/back/origin and > for right/forward/goal.
• Time: Use < for past and > for future (e.g., ~< = before, ~> = after).

Standard sentences: [WHO] + [DO] + [WHAT/WHERE]

The most common structure follows natural logic.

Urgent sentences: [URGENT] + [WHAT]

In urgent situations, lead with ~! (Urgent Now) followed by the subject.

Compound words

Two Talk does not use adjectives like English. Instead, you build descriptions by placing words in order.

• Say the thing first. Always start with the main noun (object, place, or person).
• Add details after it. Anything that describes the thing comes next.
• Stack details if needed. Add more modifiers until the meaning is clear. Stop when you’ve said enough.
• Order matters. Put the most important description first, then less important ones.

People work the same way:

If something could be confusing, add another modifier.

Numbers

Use Arabic numbers (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) to express numbers.