Skip to content
James Williams

Jamie Williams

Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Staff Group(s)
Nottingham Institute of Languages and Intercultural Communication

Role

Jamie Williams is a senior lecturer in linguistics in the Nottingham Institute of Languages and Intercultural communication. He is currently the co-course leader for the BA(hons) degree in English Language and Linguistics.

His research is broadly within the area of Systemic Functional Linguistics, particularly with a focus on its applications to both clinical linguistics and political discourse analysis.

He is currently module leader for the following modules

  • LING10123: Morphology and Syntax
  • LING20024: Comparative Linguistics
  • LING20123: Communication Disorders
  • LING30223: Language and Health

He also delivers teaching on the following modules:

  • LING23123: Problems of Language
  • LING 20124: Language and Big Data
  • LING 30425: Ecolinguistics
  • LING 30023: Major Project in Linguistics

He also supervises doctoral researchers in the areas of clinical linguistics and discourse analysis.

Jamie’s teaching and research have been recognised by a number of awards. In May 2015, he was awarded an “Endowed Postgraduate Prize” from the University of Nottingham. In May 2015 he was awarded “Best Teaching Assistant” at the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, and in May 2018 he was awarded the “NTSU Outstanding Teaching Staff in Arts and Humanities” prize, voted for by students.

Career overview

Dr Williams joined Nottingham Trent University, first as an Hourly Paid Lecturer in Linguistics in February 2015, becoming a permanent faculty member in January 2020. He completed his B.A.(hons) in German and Linguistics at the University of Manchester, his MPhil in Linguistics at the University of Cambridge, and his PhD in Cognitive Science at the University of Nottingham. He has previously taught at University College London, the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, and the University of Manchester.

Research areas

Dr Williams' research is broadly in the theory and application of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), particularly where it intersects with ideas in clinical linguistics, psycholinguistics, and political discourse analysis. His past publications have focused on the modelling of language within Systemic Functional Linguistics, using SFL as a basis for understanding cognitive systems, the encoding of responsibility, the use of SFL to understand language use in depression and links to cognitive effects of the condition, and the representation of action in political speeches.

His upcoming edited volume Systemic Functional Linguistics and the Individual is being published by Routledge Press in 2026.

His current and on-going research projects are in the following areas:

  • Narrative abilities in Aphasia
  • Language use in depression
  • Links between political rhetoric and public trust in politicians

He is happy to receive interest from potential postgraduate researchers with interests in the above or similar areas.

External activity

Peer-reviewer

Jamie has reviewed undergraduate textbook proposals and drafts for Cambridge University Press, as well as journal articles for Functional Linguistics and Lingua.

Professional Memberships and positions

  • 2025-present: Treasurer: European Systemic Functional Linguistics Association
  • 2013-Present: Member of the European Systemic Functional Linguistics Association
  • 2012-Present: Member of the Linguistics Association of Great Britain

Other services

  • 2012-2014: External First-round advanced level marker for the United Kingdom Linguistic Olympiad (UKLO)

Sponsors and collaborators

  • 2013-2016: 16,650. PhD Scholarship. University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, School of Arts and Social Sciences.
  • 2012-2015: £28,242. PhD Scholarship. University of Nottingham, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Course(s) I teach on