Psychologist Anne Fernald of Stanford's
Center for Infant Studies has identified
melodies that are embedded within mothers'
speech.

Each melody has a particular meaning,
a meaning that is "universal" in the sense
that it is innately understood by infants
around the world, regardless of  language
and culture.

The melodies convey either praise,
prohibition, comfort or a call for attention.

"We all know these songs", says
Robert Krulwich of WNYC's  Radio Lab.

Check out the video below to hear this
subtle music.





The soundtrack of the above is an excerpt
from WNYC's Radio Lab