What are the basic units of language according to cognitive models?

The correct answer highlights the foundational components of language as understood in cognitive models, which are phonemes, morphemes, and word categories. Phonemes are the smallest units of sound that can affect meaning, such as the difference between the sounds in "bat" and "pat." Morphemes are the smallest units of meaning, including both roots and affixes (prefixes and suffixes), such as "un-" in "undo" or "-ed" in "walked." Word categories refer to the classification of words based on their syntactical roles, such as nouns, verbs, and adjectives, which play a crucial role in constructing meaningful phrases and sentences.

Understanding these elements is essential, as they form the building blocks of language processing and comprehension in cognitive models. By analyzing language through these units, researchers can better understand how individuals acquire and use language, making this option particularly relevant in a discussion of cognitive aspects of language.