Bringing insights from linguistics to those without a background in this field, An Introduction to Language and Communication for Allied Health and Social Care Professions enables readers to better appreciate the ways in which language functions simultaneously as an instrument to encode and communicate meaning, build and sustain interpersonal relationships, and express identity. Grounded in the understanding of language as a multifunctional, interactional tool offered by sociolinguistics, pragmatics, and discourse analysis, the book: Provides readers with well-grounded tools that they can use to inform their daily work as well as to reflect upon their own communicative practices and – where necessary – to improve them Features ‘discussion points’ in the form of questions, suggestions for reflection, and small analysis tasks throughout Contains end-of-chapter summaries and suggestions for further reading An Introduction to Language and Communication for Allied Health and Social Care Professions is ideal as a core or supplementary textbook for students on degrees in public health, social work, social care, nursing, and other allied health professions who are taking courses in communication. It is also an invaluable guide for qualified health and social care practitioners, to support both their professional practice and their continuing professional development.