Cognitive Linguistics in Medicine: How Language Shapes Perception, Decision-Making and Patient Care

Abstract

Language plays a pivotal role in medicine, influencing clinical decision-making, patient perceptions, and healthcare outcomes. Cognitive linguistics and psychology provide crucial insights into how linguistic framing, biases, and communication strategies impact medical practice. The framing effect, cognitive biases such as anchoring and confirmation bias, and the psychological implications of medical terminology significantly alter both physician and patient decision-making. Additionally, effective doctor-patient communication fosters trust and improves treatment adherence, while language barriers can lead to miscommunication, medical errors, and anxiety. Narrative medicine, which emphasizes patient storytelling, enhances diagnostic accuracy and empathetic care by allowing physicians to understand the full context of an illness. Furthermore, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) are transforming medical communication, providing real-time translation and personalized linguistic adaptations. However, human interaction remains irreplaceable in fostering trust and ensuring ethical and compassionate healthcare delivery. Future perspectives in medical linguistics involve AI-driven linguistic tools, personalized communication strategies based on psychological profiling, and expanded use of narrative medicine to enhance patient engagement. By integrating cognitive linguistics, psychology, and technology, healthcare professionals can refine communication approaches, mitigate biases, and ultimately improve patient care. Understanding the intricate relationship between language and cognition will enable a more patient-centered, inclusive, and effective healthcare system.