natural-language

= Natural Language =

==== As define by The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, natural language is "a human written or spoken language as opposed to a computer language" (n.d.). Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a system that enables computers and humans to interact by automatically translating between human and computer language (Barnett, n.d.). For example, Ask.com allows you to search for the answers to questions using natural language, or natural human language, as opposed to computer language. Creating programs that can translate between human and computer languages can be applied to speech recognition, information retrieval, and even bring us one step closer to creating artifical intelligence (Barnett, n.d.). ====

There are four primary elements that go into the interpretation of Natural Language Processing.

 * ====Conversion====
 * ====Syntax====
 * ====Semantics====
 * ====Pragmatics====

[[image:6970web4/nlp.jpg]]
====Conversion involves the rendering of sound waves to text. The two most popular API's that are currently used are Apple's SIRI and Google Voice Recognition. The major obstacles that conversion faces currently is noise interference and varying dialects. Syntax involves the ordering of words and interpretation of grammar. "//The dog bit the boy//" and "T//he boy bit the dog//" are the exact same words, however the meaning is dramatically changed by the syntax. "//Let's eat Grandpa//" and "//Let's eat, Grandpa//" are the exact same words and order, however the use of the comma makes a very significant impact on how the sentence is interpreted (especially for Grandpa). Semantics involves the meaning of the words that are used. Understanding the difference between a plant being a living organism and a plant being a factory where items are made. Lastly, Pragmatics means applying know social and cultural meaning to words and sentences. This involves recognizing sarcasm, colloquialisms, and other figurative uses of language.====

Mooney, Raymond. "Natural Language Processing" // University of Texas //. Retrieved from []
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