Which level of language is associated with bits of meaning that are encoded into grammar, such as plural endings on words?

The correct answer is associated with morphology, which is the study of the structure and formation of words. Morphology focuses specifically on the smallest units of meaning, known as morphemes. This includes both root words and their modifications, such as prefixes or suffixes that alter word meaning or grammatical function. For example, the addition of an "-s" to the end of a noun to indicate pluralization is a morphological change that encodes specific grammatical meaning.

Understanding this concept is crucial in the context of language development and therapy. When addressing language processing issues, speech therapists often analyze how well a child uses morphological markers, as these are key indicators of their understanding of language structure.

In contrast, phonology deals with sounds and their patterns in language, syntax involves the arrangement of words and phrases to create sentences, and semantics pertains to meaning in language, including the interpretation of words and sentences. Each of these levels plays a role in the overall understanding and use of language, but morphology specifically focuses on the meaningful units that connect to grammar rules, making it the correct choice in this context.