Xinxin Yang

My primary research interests lie in Conversation Analysis, Clinical Linguistics, and Communication Disorders. My work focuses on understanding how linguistic and cognitive impairments, such as those caused by aphasia or dementia, impact communication. I am also interested in doctor-patient communication and how interactions can shape healthcare experiences and outcomes. 

I am currently a researcher on the TRIDENT (Tobacco RIsk reDuction with E-cigarette Nicotine Replacement Therapy) project, which aims to develop and deliver tailored smoking harm reduction interventions for people with severe mental illness in routine mental healthcare. 

As a Conversation Analyst, I contribute to the development of a brief intervention that offers e-cigarettes as a harm reduction strategy. I use findings from the analysis of real conversations, as well as evidence from other qualitative research and person-based approaches, to synthesize findings and design communication resources for mental health professionals.

Before joining TRIDENT, I completed my PhD at the University of Sheffield, where I explored how Mandarin speakers with aphasia interact in everyday and institutional settings. My work aims to improve understanding of how people with linguistic and cognitive impairments communicate, and how professionals, families, and friends can better support them.

I welcome inquiries from students with backgrounds in conversation analysis, speech and language therapy, neuroscience, health qualitative research, social sciences, or related interdisciplinary fields. I am particularly interested in supervising students who are committed to socio-linguistic research and wish to contribute to projects at the intersection of communication, health, and clinical practice.