The human touch in digital care: Overcoming AI perception challenges in healthcare - Opinion article by Dr Max Dunn

With rapidly aging populations across the globe, as well as an increasingly short supply of healthcare personnel, healthcare systems are struggling to provide quality care to everyone who needs it. To address this issue, new and improved Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems have the potential to relieve the burden on healthcare systems as well as improve patient care. However, implementing AI in healthcare needs to be done with caution, and managing patient perceptions of AI as well as developing human-like linguistic features in AI is crucial in order to fully leverage the benefits of AI in this sector. When people think of AI, one common perception of this technology is a sort of all-knowing and genius entity with competencies that far outpace humans. However, this impression is not found universally across all domains. In the research I lead in our lab, people consistently find AI doctors to be less competent and trustworthy than human doctors, even when the AI doctors perform to the same standard as human doctors. Furthermore, when AI doctors do not mimic the speech patterns of their patients (a common linguistic pattern found in human-to-human communication), people view AI doctors as even less competent and trustworthy. These results are concerning, as quality patient care stems largely from the quality of patient-doctor relationships, whereby relationships characterized by a high degree of trust lead to better patient outcomes. Therefore, negative perceptions of AI doctors may cause patients to be hesitant to follow their healthcare recommendations, or patients may even be unwilling to seek out medical treatment from healthcare systems which use AI. Fortunately, there are a couple of straightforward ways to mitigate the issue, at least partially. The first is to educate patients on the strengths that AI has in providing healthcare. Patients trust human doctors to a greater extent due to the very apparent schemas that they have of doctors, such as the fact that doctors need to undergo rigorous education, training, and examination, as well as promising to uphold ethical and moral standards when providing healthcare services. Most people have much less clear schemas of AI in healthcare, and thus do not know exactly how to think about AI in this domain and how much to trust AI. Therefore, briefing patients on the AI tools they will be interacting with is important, for example by highlighting how a particular AI has been trained on massive amounts of data that no one doctor could ever be exposed to, as well as having diagnostic accuracy rates that consistently outperform humans. The second method is to develop AI tools that are linguistically similar to humans. One linguistic phenomenon that is relevant here is called linguistic alignment, which is the tendency for people to mimic the linguistic behavior of their conversational partner, such as reusing the sounds, words, and sentence structures that their partner uses. More linguistic alignment has been found to increase trust and sociality between dialogue partners, and in my research AI doctors that linguistically aligned with their patients were perceived more positively than AI doctors that did not linguistically align. Therefore, developing AI that can analyze the linguistic behavior of patients and then use similar styles of speech in interactions with patients could increase trust and the overall quality of the patient-doctor relationship, leading to better health outcomes overall. All in all, encountering AI in healthcare settings will increasingly become the norm and not the exception, making it crucial to understand patient perceptions of this technology in order to provide human-centered and effective healthcare. We strive to push forward this goal in the International Research Centre for the Advancement of Health Communication (IRCAHC - https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ircahc/) within the Department of English and Communication at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Two BAEAL students join the Global Millennium Fellowship Class of 2025

We are thrilled to announce that Joyce Jiayi Chen and Cora Wenxi Zhu, Year 4 students in our BA (Hons) in English and Applied Linguistics (BAEAL) programme, have been selected as Millennium Fellows in the Class of 2025! The Millennium Fellowship, co-run by the United Nations Academic Impact and the Millennium Campus Network, is a semester-long leadership development programme that convenes, challenges, and celebrates bold student leadership advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on campus and in communities. This year, from a record-breaking pool of over 60,000 applicants from 7,500+ campuses worldwide, just 4% were selected, and among them were Joyce and Cora. As part of the Fellowship, more than 4,000 Millennium Fellows across 290+ campuses in countries like the USA, Nigeria, the UK, Australia, India, Kenya, and beyond will participate in this transformative four-month leadership journey, each undertaking a project addressing one or more of the SDGs, applying their learning to create tangible social impact. We are incredibly proud of Joyce and Cora for representing PolyU and our Department on the global stage. Please join us in congratulating them on this remarkable accomplishment!

The transformative impact of AI on public speaking skills - Teaching insights by Prof. Kathleen Ahrens

As a linguistics professor with thirty years of teaching experience, I have witnessed firsthand the evolution of public speaking training. In the early days of my career, I would encourage students to practice their speeches in front of mirrors or record themselves on cassette tapes. They would listen back, analyzing their pauses and hesitations, checking their pronunciation, and working on their overall delivery. For over a decade, this method remained largely unchanged. It was effective, yet students told me that it stressed them out to look at themselves in the mirror and analyze their own performance. The advent of smartphones marked a significant shift. Students could easily record their speeches on video, allowing for a more immediate and visual form of self-assessment. However, as many discovered, watching themselves on screen was still a daunting experience. It's certainly challenging to overcome the discomfort of self-critique, particularly when assessing aspects like pronunciation, argument organization, eye contact, and vocal presence. Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves in an era enriched by artificial intelligence. One of the most exciting tools I have incorporated into my Oral Language Arts course is Yoodli, an AI platform designed to enhance public speaking skills. This AI tool analyzes students' speeches in real time, providing tailored feedback on various aspects of their performance, from the length of their pauses to their overall confidence levels. This immediate feedback mechanism has been a game changer. Students have expressed how Yoodli allows them to focus on their performance without the discomfort of self-observation. Instead of having to critique themselves while watching their own videos, they receive constructive feedback from the AI. This scaffolded approach empowers them to engage with their performance more critically. For instance, if Yoodli indicates that a student's points are not well organized or that their arguments lack specificity, the student can reflect on this feedback and decide how to improve. This process fosters a deeper understanding of their speaking abilities and areas for growth. The results have been impressive. Many students report that they find Yoodli more beneficial than they initially anticipated. Based on our records, some students used Yoodli over 30 times throughout the semester, demonstrating its effectiveness in supporting learning beyond the classroom. The tool has bolstered their confidence, encouraging them to practice more frequently and embrace opportunities for public speaking. They appreciate the personalized feedback and the way it helps them refine their skills in a supportive environment. In addition, by combining AI-generated feedback with teacher comments aligned to established rubrics, this hybrid approach leverages the efficiency of generative AI while upholding the clarity and consistency of course standards. I've also suggested Yoodli to native speakers. They, too, have found it incredibly valuable. The AI's ability to provide objective feedback is beneficial not just for language learners but also for seasoned speakers looking to enhance their public persona. It's a reminder that everyone, regardless of their proficiency level, can benefit from constructive criticism and self-improvement. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue integrating Yoodli into my teaching. In the upcoming fall semester, I will be teaching another cohort of the Oral Language Arts course, which encompasses a variety of components such as poetry reading, public speaking, drama performances, impromptu speaking, and debating. I look forward to using Yoodli as a resource to help students hone their skills across these diverse activities. In conclusion, the impact of AI tools on oral language development is profound. By offering immediate, actionable feedback, these tools empower students to become more confident and effective communicators. As I reflect on my teaching journey, it's clear that moving from taped recordings to video recordings to gaining immediate feedback via an AI tool are all part of using the best that technology has to offer during each time period to aid students in meeting their goals to be effective public speakers.

PolyU Department of English and Communication’s Outstanding Alumni Award 2025 – Announcement of awardees

We are delighted to share the names of the recipients of the Department of English and Communication’s Outstanding Alumni Award 2025. The Department would like to recognise the outstanding accomplishments of three of our alumni in their fields. The three awardees listed below have all made significant contributions to PolyU, our Department, and society. The Alumni and Young Alumni awardees, in alphabetical order by family name, are: 1. Dr Frederick CHEUNG Fu Wah, Principal, Chinese Y.M.C.A. Secondary School (Graduate of 2005) Outstanding Alumni Award Dr Frederick CHEUNG’s recognition in the Scholarly Achievement area is connected to his exemplary contributions to aviation education and curriculum innovation in Hong Kong secondary schools. His pioneering work has introduced a structured aviation curriculum to local secondary school students. These initiatives have opened up new learning pathways for students and have led to outstanding student achievements, such as winning the 2024 Astron Space Lab Championship. "Receiving the Outstanding Alumni Award in Scholarly Achievement, offered by my alma mater, is an exhilarating blend of pride, gratitude, and humility," said Dr Cheung. "This recognition brings a deep sense of fulfilment, symbolising not only personal achievement but also the acknowledgement of contributions to the field of study and the development of the first Aviation Early Career Training Education Centre (AECTEC), sponsored by BOEING. Amid the joy, there is also a profound sense of gratitude toward scholars from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, such as Professor Eric Friginal and Dr. Özgehan Uştuk, as well as peers and the School Management Committee of Chinese Y.M.C.A. Secondary School, who supported the promotion of aviation education at the secondary school level. This honour inspires a renewed commitment to excellence, a motivation to push boundaries further, and a desire to contribute even more meaningfully to the academic community. I look forward to contributing even more to my alma mater." 2. Dr Christina LEUNG Wai Ying, Vice-Principal, Salvation Army Tin Ka Ping School (Graduate of 2008) Outstanding Alumni Award Dr Christina LEUNG's recognition in the Professional Achievement area has been demonstrated through her efforts to lead transformative programmes in her school that have enhanced student engagement and holistic development. She also championed global citizenship through cross-border learning, significantly broadening opportunities for underprivileged students. As a committee member of the Department of English Alumni Association (DEAA), she has also played a key role in strengthening alumni ties. Dr Leung felt honoured to receive this award and said, "This recognition reflects my dedication to the field, including my roles as a committee member of the DEAA, serving in the Hong Kong Extra-curricular Activities Masters’ Association and The Hong Kong Association of Business and Professional Women, participating in research projects, and educating others professionally. I am deeply grateful for the support of my mentors, colleagues, and friends who have been integral to my journey. This award inspires me to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of others!" 3. Prof. Mark NARTEY, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Lingnan University (Graduate of 2020) Outstanding Young Alumni Award Prof. Mark NARTEY's breadth and societal relevance of his work in applied linguistics and discourse studies make him shine in the Scholarly Achievement area. From advocating for non-dominant groups and decolonising curricula, to advising organisations on diversity, equity, and inclusion, his research exemplifies outstanding scholarship with a purpose. With over 60 publications to his name—including six books—and editorial roles across leading journals and international conferences, he has firmly established himself as a rising intellectual voice in discourse studies and the humanities. Prof. Nartey expressed his gratitude about receiving this award: "I am exceedingly humbled to receive this distinguished award, and thank the review panel for the honour. The Department of English and Communication gave me a formidable foundation for professional development and social impact. Hence, it gives me great pleasure to be their alum, and to contribute to their laudable goal of nurturing innovative problem solvers, lifelong learners, and socially responsible citizens. I look forward to future collaborations with the Department and to further consolidating my long-standing relationship with them."

Empowering migrant domestic workers through AI chatbots and digital literacy - A research initiative by Prof. Jeffry Oktavianus

As AI tools become more integrated into everyday life, their potential to support marginalized communities, such as migrant domestic workers (MDWs), has gained increasing attention. For many MDWs, particularly in Hong Kong where over 350,000 women work under often challenging conditions, AI-powered chatbots can serve as accessible sources of emotional support, reliable information, and even crisis assistance. Yet, the adoption of such technologies is far from straightforward. A recent research initiative led by Prof. Jeffry Oktavianus explored the motivations and barriers shaping chatbot adoption among Indonesian MDWs. The study revealed that while MDWs are interested in using chatbots for both practical and psychosocial reasons, their uptake is often limited by structural challenges, such as low digital literacy, and psychological factors, including mistrust of new technologies and fear of employer monitoring. To address these barriers, Prof. Oktavianus, in collaboration with Prof. Lydia Catedral, launched a five-month media and digital literacy training program with 40 peer leaders from grassroots MDW organisations. The program equips participants with practical skills in digital content creation and introduces AI tools, including chatbots, that can be used to support their peers. Participants learn how to produce multimedia content relevant to their communities and how to use chatbot platforms as tools for outreach and education. Beyond the flagship training program, Prof. Oktavianus has also facilitated several standalone digital literacy sessions tailored to MDWs, focusing on critical thinking, online safety, and AI applications in daily life. These sessions have introduced participants to AI chatbots as potential allies in navigating the complexities of work, health, and personal wellbeing in Hong Kong. This work highlights the meaningful role AI can play in advancing equity and inclusion, especially when technology is paired with education, cultural sensitivity, and community collaboration. As AI continues to reshape communication and support systems, this project offers a valuable model for socially responsible innovation grounded in real-world needs.

BAEAL Student Kirsten Leung Wins 2025 Innovation and Technology Scholarship

It might be surprising to learn that a student majoring in English and Linguistics can also dive into the world of AI and metaverse game development. Kirsten Leung is a Year 1 student in our BA (Hons) in English and Applied Linguistics (BAEAL) programme. With a strong passion for English that began in secondary school, where she studied English Literature, Kirsten chose to major in linguistics at university to deepen her understanding of both the theory and practical applications of the language. In this, PolyU's unique Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics (AIDA) minor has opened up even more possibilities for her. "At first, I didn't really know much about AI or data analytics," Kirsten shares. "But after taking the AIDA programme, I realised how much AI is already part of our daily lives, like with instant translation tools. That really inspired me to try something new." Now, Kirsten is developing a metaverse-based game for children, designed to help them build communication, creativity, and teamwork skills through interactive play. Her game earned her the 2025 Innovation and Technology Scholarship, which aims to recognise and nurture outstanding Hong Kong undergraduates with a passion for innovation and technology. With this support, she's currently on exchange at the London School of Economics and Political Science in the UK and Aalto University in Finland. Kirsten hopes to use what she’s learned to give back to society and help drive progress in technology, innovation, and education. Please join us in extending our heartfelt congratulations to Kirsten for this well-deserved recognition.

Research on domestic workers with cancer and how verbal microaggressions affect their mental state

In June, Professor Margo Turnbull, Assistant Professor and Dr Madhu Neupane Bastola, Postdoctoral Fellow of our Department, published an article in The Conversation, titled "Words matter to people living with cancer. Here's how verbal microagressions affect their mental state." The article examines how subtle, often unintentional remarks—such as dismissive comments or assumptions about a cancer patient’s experience—can erode confidence, reinforce stigma, and undermine mental well-being. Drawing on interviews with cancer patients, it highlights the emotional toll of these verbal microaggressions and suggests strategies like fostering supportive communities and using empathetic language to mitigate their impact. Our Department would also like to congratulate Dr Bastola for delivering a compelling presentation on this subject. Held on 23 July 2025, the presentation engaged an international audience, including Consulate Generals from France, Sweden, Poland, Ireland, Belgium, and the Philippines, as well as the Councillor of the European Union Office of Hong Kong and Macau. Representatives from NGOs such as FilMCaSS, Bethune House, and Mission for Migrant Workers expressed appreciation for Dr Bastola’s insightful findings, paving the way for future collaborations. Discover the full article: click here Join us in celebrating Prof. Turnbull and Dr Bastola’s contributions to advancing socially impactful research that amplifies the voices of marginalised communities.

Prof. Phoebe Lin shares GenAI writing pedagogy at CUHK workshop

Professor Phoebe Lin was invited to speak at the English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) on 14 May 2025. Her workshop, “Opportunities and Challenges in GenAI-Assisted Writing Instruction,” drew a highly engaged audience of English language teachers. Drawing on her research and classroom practice at PolyU, Prof. Lin introduced an innovative GenAI-enhanced L2 writing pedagogy. Rather than treating AI as a shortcut, she advocated for using tools like ChatGPT as collaborative writing partners—to prompt critical thinking, deepen ideas, and organise arguments. Her talk featured a 7-week undergraduate writing module in which students engaged in verbal interactions with GenAI in their first language, before drafting essays in academic English. Prof. Lin outlined ten key teaching principles, including prioritising content over form, encouraging open idea-sharing, training students in prompt engineering, and providing clear feedback on both student ideas and GenAI use. Her approach fostered learner agency, increased participation, and refocused attention on the substance of student arguments. Her action research showed a notable shift in student attitudes by the end of the course. Many students reported that GenAI helped them streamline their writing, clarify ideas, and overcome writer’s block. The CUHK audience responded with enthusiasm, leading to lively discussion on how to integrate GenAI into language teaching responsibly and effectively. This cross-institutional exchange highlighted the pedagogical promise of GenAI and reaffirmed our Department’s leadership in advancing innovative, student-driven approaches to academic writing in the AI era.

Migration and Communication Hub: Empowering migrants through language, digital literacy, and health communication

Effective communication is crucial for social integration and personal growth in an increasingly interconnected world. The Migration and Communication Hub, an initiative by faculty members of the Department of English and Communication at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, is dedicated to empowering migrants by enhancing their language, digital literacy, and health communication skills. In collaboration with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and grassroots organizations, this initiative offers evidence-based resources and training to assist migrants in navigating new environments, accessing opportunities, and confidently participating in society. Language: A Key to Integration Language is a powerful tool that can transform the lives of migrants. As they transition from one culture and place to another, the ability to communicate effectively in English becomes a form of linguistic capital. This proficiency facilitates social integration and opens doors to educational and economic opportunities. The Hub offers language courses tailored to the lived experiences of migrant workers, recognizing that migration can result in both the loss and gain of language resources. By strengthening English proficiency, migrants can access health resources independently, engage in bureaucratic processes effectively, and enhance their well-being.  Digital Literacy: Bridging the Digital Divide In today’s digital age, technology and language are closely interrelated. Digital literacy is essential for migrants to engage with online platforms safely and effectively. The Hub’s digital literacy programs equip migrants with the skills to use social media, access welfare and healthcare systems, and pursue online educational opportunities. These skills are vital for building new social networks and maintaining connections with communities in their countries of origin. Our digital literacy programs are specifically designed to address identified disparities in digital utilization among migrant communities.  Health Communication: Navigating Healthcare Systems Health communication is another critical focus area for the Hub. Migrants often face challenges in accessing healthcare due to language and cultural barriers. Developing communication skills in healthcare ensures migrants can express their needs, understand medical information, and make informed decisions. The Hub emphasizes the importance of accessing accurate health information from reliable sources, as misinformation can lead to delayed diagnosis, completion in preventable health issues, and poor prognosis. Migrant workers in Hong Kong can utilize their English language and digital literacy skills to navigate the reliable and integrated health information system provided by the Hospital Authority. Our current work focuses on health literacy amongst migrant domestic workers, including women with cancer.  Please visit our Facebook page for more information and updates. 

Third Annual Undergraduate ENGL Conference ‘PolyU-CALLS 2025’ Showcases Student-Led Research Excellence

The Department of English and Communication (ENGL) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) successfully hosted the PolyU Undergraduate Conference on Applied Linguistics and Language Studies (PolyU-CALLS) on 29 March 2025. PolyU-CALLS 2025 was an astounding success, bringing together around 120 students and professors from Hong Kong, Macau, mainland China, and overseas. The Conference featured a total of 81 undergraduate presenters, alongside plenary talks by the Department’s Professor Shaofeng Li and ENGL alumnus Mr Paul Lee, Senior Manager of Kum Shing Group. Professor Eric Friginal, Head of ENGL, expressed his gratitude to all presenters for sharing their already impressive research projects. He emphasized that participating in an academic conference of this caliber is a significant milestone and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students and their mentors. Professor Friginal further noted that this experience not only marks a major academic accomplishment for the participants but also positions them as key contributors to the future of applied linguistics and language studies. He highlighted the growing importance of their work in light of the transformative role of advanced technologies and generative AI, which are becoming critical drivers of innovation and research in the field. The Department would like to recognize the outstanding work and presentations by all student presenters at PolyU-CALLS 2025. Covering an impressive range of topics—from linguistic landscapes to critical discourse analysis, language policy, and beyond—each presenter demonstrated remarkable passion and expertise. While every presentation was commendable, the PolyU-CALLS Organising Committee annually acknowledges a select few who go above and beyond in showcasing their work. This year’s PolyU-CALLS Award Winners are: Best PolyU-CALLS Presentation Award: Xiaohuan CHEN (Southwest University, Chongqing, CHINA) Best ENGL Presentation Award: Yanning WANG (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University) Best Non-ENGL Presentation Award: Wing Yan TSE (The Chinese University of Hong Kong) Best International Presentation Award: Alyssa Mari R. RIBO (Ateneo de Manila University, PHILIPPINES)  ENGL extends its heartfelt thanks to all presenters, attendees, and contributors for making PolyU-CALLS 2025 a remarkable event. We look forward to welcoming even more participants at PolyU-CALLS 2026. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of applied linguistics and language studies, championing the next generation of scholars and innovators.