Which aspect of language refers to the meanings of words?

Prepare for the ASU SHS470 Exam on Developmental Speech and Language Disorders. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, including hints and explanations, to ensure success!

The aspect of language that refers to the meanings of words is semantic content. Semantics deals specifically with the meaning or interpretation of words, phrases, sentences, and larger linguistic units. Understanding semantic content involves recognizing how words can convey different meanings based on their use in context, including nuances, connotations, and relationships between words.

For instance, the word "bank" can have multiple meanings depending on whether it's used in the context of finance or the side of a river. This richness in meaning is what semantics captures.

The other options relate to different components of language. Syntax pertains to the rules governing the structure of sentences and how words are arranged to create meaningful phrases. Morphology focuses on the structure of words and how they can be broken down into smaller units (morphemes), which includes prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Language form generally encompasses both syntax and morphology, referring to the overall structure and organization of language rather than focusing on meaning specifically.

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