From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (blue = my words)
Dunstan Baby Language is a claim about infantile speech patterns and language acquisition in humans. The claim is that across cultures and linguistic groups there are five sounds, each with a meaning, that are used by infants during the beginning of the language acquisition period. The theory was developed by former Australian mezzo-soprano, Priscilla Dunstan, who sells DVDs that she claims will help mothers to understand their babies and address their needs. The theory was featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Original air date 11/13/06 ( I watched this show, while not based on "Science" it sure makes common "SENSE" "NATURE" is perfect!
Between 1-3 months infants make what Dunstan calls sound reflexes. According to Dunstan, these sound reflexes are preemptive cries that occur before the infant breaks into what she calls the hysterical cry. Dunstan claims that these preemptive cries can indicate what the infant requires (ex. such as food, comfort, sleep, etc.) and elevate to the hysterical cry if they are not answered. As the infant matures past 3 months in vocalization, the sound reflexes become replaced with more elaborate babbling.
Watch your baby closely and and I'll bet you will "Get It", you won't need a DVD
The Sounds
Neh
I'm hungry - An infant uses the sound reflex "Neh" to communicate their hunger. The sound is produced when the tongue is pushed up on the roof of the mouth and the sucking reflex is triggered.
Owh
I'm sleepy - An infant uses the sound reflex "Owh" to communicate that they are tired. The sound is produced much like an audible yawn.
Heh
I'm experiencing discomfort - An infant uses the sound reflex "Heh" to communicate stress, discomfort, or perhaps that they need a fresh diaper. The sound is produced by a response to a skin reflex, such as feeling sweat or itchiness in the rear.
Eairh
I have lower gas - An infant uses the sound reflex "Eairh" to communicate they have flatulence or an upset stomach. The sound is produced when trapped air from a burp is unable to release and travels to the stomach where the muscles of the intestine tighten to force the air bubble out.
Eh
I need to burp - An infant uses the sound reflex "Eh" to communicate that they need to be burped. The sound is produced when a large bubble of trapped air is caught in the chest and is trying to release out of the mouth.
Teach your Baby to Sign
( click on the teddy bear)