Final answer:
A morpheme is the minimal unit of meaning or grammatical function. Examples include roots, prefixes, and suffixes, which convey different aspects of meaning or function. The concept of form versus function in language emphasizes how the role of a word can change within different contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minimal unit of meaning or grammatical function in a language is referred to as a morpheme. A morpheme can be a whole word or merely a part of a word (such as a prefix or suffix). It is the smallest unit that carries semantic content. For instance, in the word "unbelievable," "un-" is a morpheme that conveys negation or absence, "believe" is the root morpheme that conveys the concept of having conviction, and "-able" is a morpheme that turns the verb into an adjective, indicating capability.
In the sentence "Eating an apple a day can keep the doctor away, or so they say," the word "eating" takes on the role of a gerund, a verb form that functions nominally as a noun and is the subject of the sentence. This demonstrates how the grammatical function of a word can change while its form remains a verb. Conversely, in the phrase "Jose's mother," "Jose" is a proper noun that adopts a possessive form to act adjectivally, modifying "mother" to show possession, thereby changing its grammatical function but not its grammatical form as a noun.
Understanding the concept of form versus function is essential in language studies as it helps to grasp how words and phrases fit into sentences, creating meaning that is greater than the sum of individual parts. A good command of this concept allows the comprehension of nuances in language use and structures, which is important for effective communication.