For Students
Language & Health Research Hub
Exploring the intersection of linguistics and healthcare for A-level and undergraduate students
Inspiration
Welcome to the Language & Health Research Hub! 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, inspirations, and the chance to connect with health professionals.
Here is a short video to understand the work we do. Watch this video showcasing the 999 RESPOND project, which explores communication challenges in UK emergency services call handling. See real examples of 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, psychology, and sociology students, you can start off by analysing real consultation videos, patient advice webpages, and social media health conversations using free tools. Start with accessible projects that reveal dynamics, gaps, and barriers to treatment access.
About This Hub
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). 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.
Accent & Clinical Perceptions
Prompt: Does accent influence patient trust or clinical decision-making?
Health Literacy & Plain Language
Prompt: Analyse NHS health information materials (such as 111 website). How accessible is health information for different literacy levels? Propose improvements.
Medical Jargon
Prompt: Watch a few YouTube doctor-patient consultations. Note each medical term used and how (if at all) the doctor explains it to the patient. Which explanation style - metaphors, repetition, or analogies - made complex jargon feel most accessible?
Language in discharge advice
Prompt: Collect publicly available discharge-information leaflets (PDFs) for conditions like minor head injury or chest pain from ED/urgent care websites, then analyse readability, use of metaphors, and directness of safety-netting advice (“come back if…”).
Hospital posters
Prompt: Google Images "A&E waiting room poster". Download 5 posters. Count words, emoji, pictures vs text. Which looks friendliest for non-native speakers?
News Stories
Google "ambulance language barrier". Read 5 news stories. Do they blame patients, ambulances, or the government? Count recurring phrases.
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 communications.
Emergency Dispatch Training WorkbookLink opens in a new window
Glossary of terms used on this websiteLink opens in a new window
Ask Healthcare Professionals
Have a question about language and health research? Ask a real healthcare professional. Your question will be reviewed and answered by experienced practitioners.
Click here to access the form