Final answer:
The development of metalinguistic awareness is the enhanced understanding of language as a system, leading to the ability to analyze and reflect on language. The semantic concept of a word is a semantic unit that conveys meaning, and our understanding of words extends beyond dictionary definitions, encompassing the full depth and complexity of language in communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The development of metalinguistic awareness refers to the understanding and ability to think about and manipulate language beyond its basic communicative function. As children grow, they not only learn to use language but also gain the ability to reflect on language as a system. They begin to understand that words are not merely labels for objects but also units of meaning that can be analyzed and categorized.
The semantic concept of a "word" encompasses the meaning that is associated with the phonemic and morphemic combinations we use in language. A word is a unit of language that conveys meaning and is instrumental for creating and interpreting semantic content in communication. This understanding is vital, as it enables us to use language to reflect on various abstract and concrete concepts in our environment and within ourselves.