For Students
Language & Health Research Lab
Exploring the intersection of linguistics and healthcare for A-level and undergraduate students
Introduction
Welcome to the Language & Health Research Lab! This site is designed to inspire you to explore the fascinating intersection of linguistics and healthcare. Whether you're studying A-level, IB, or pursuing an undergraduate degree, you'll find research ideas, readings, and the chance to connect with health professionals.
Our portfolio of work covers a wide range of topics linking language and health. We use our research to create learning materials and resources that help a broader audience understand how communication shapes healthcare practice.
You can find some examples in our reading suggestions or under the resourcesLink opens in a new window tab at the top of the page. We share our work through different formats — from written articles to videosLink opens in a new window and interactive toolsLink opens in a new window — to make it engaging and accessible.
Watch this short video about the 999 R.E.S.P.O.N.D. project, which shows how language plays a vital role in critical and emergency medical care, including how emergency call-handlers and clinicians communicate under pressure and how language clarity affects emergency decision-making.
Why Language Matters in Health
Words shape health. How doctors explain diagnoses, how 999 operators communicate with panicked callers, how NHS leaflets reach diverse readers—this is language and health research. Perfect for linguistics, medical (current or future), psychology, and sociology students, you can start off by analysing real consultation videos and patient advice webpages. Start with accessible projects that reveal dynamics, gaps, and barriers to treatment access.
About This Lab
This website serves as a practical toolkit for students exploring language and health research. From ready-made prompts and curated papers to a direct line to healthcare professionals, it's designed to spark your curiosity and equip you with everything needed to launch meaningful projects that bridge linguistics and real-world healthcare challenges.
Research Idea Prompts
Below are some research prompts to jump straight into language and health research. Each one uses free online materials like YouTube consultations, NHS webpages, and social media posts (no special access needed). Click on the text for each to view more details, tips and links to data you could use.
Designed for A-level essays or undergraduate projects, they guide you to discover how words create confusion or clearer healthcare communication, with simple methods that produce charts and insights perfect for coursework.
Reading Suggestions
Browse a curated reading list featuring articles, papers, and online resources on language and health research. Click on the links below to explore introductions to doctor-patient communication, health literacy challenges and healthcare team communication.
- Teamwork In Covid-19 Zone
- Emergency Dispatch Training WorkbookLink opens in a new window
- Glossary of terms used on this websiteLink opens in a new window
- ‘JUMPED OUT OF THE WINDOW’: Textual trajectories in emergency medical dispatch Link opens in a new window
- Experiences and views of people who frequently call emergency ambulance services: A qualitative study of UK service usersLink opens in a new window
- Let's talk about it: Reframing communication in medical teamsLink opens in a new window
- Anything I missed out↑: Pre-briefing in ad hoc trauma emergency teamsLink opens in a new window
- Project PosterLink opens in a new window
- Patient brief Link opens in a new window
