You may not have heard of NLP, but I guarantee you if you’re reading this article, then you’ve heard of its uses.
NLP, like every other chapter in this series, is a Subset of Artificial intelligence. Machines (Computers) use mathematical functions and algorithms, combined with vector databases to analyse two key components.
The first being Syntax. Syntax pertains to the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-structured sentences in a language. For example, syntax involves analysing the grammatical structure of a sentence, ensuring that it adheres to the grammatical rules of the language, such as a subject-verb agreement and proper word order.
The second key component for analysis is Semantics. Semantics is concerned with the understanding of meaning of words and how they create meaning when combined in sentences. For example, in the sentence “The panda eats shoots and leaves” semantics helps distinguish whether the panda eats plants (shoots and leaves) or is involved in a violent act (shoots) and then departs (leaves), could you imagine!?
NLP has a wide range of applications and is part of everyday life for most of us. NLP powers search engines like google, NLP powers chatbots that you interact with when trying to find out information from an ecommerce site. NLP is used with voice operated GPS systems and is playing a growing role in streamlining business operations as part of automation software (you can find out more about automating your business from my other article here; https://www.ijyi.com/resources-hub/posts/stop-wasting-time-and-start-automating-solving-enterprise-issues-with-automation-tech/ )
Most famously, its very likely you would have interacted with an NLP system if you’ve decided to join the ChatGPT craze. Although ChatGPT is classed as an LLM, ChatGPT uses NLP technologies to communicate with its users and help translate their requests.
It is worth noting that NLP technologies, like human speech, are not perfect. Risks like biased training, misinterpretation and hallucinations are just as prevalent with NLP as they are with any other form of artificial intelligence so if you would like to include NLP in your business model or even a home project, its worth contacting a specialist or doing a lot of research.
As always you can contact myself at https://www.ijyi.com or find me on X @Sci_Soft_Sports, and come back next newsletter for our next instalment of Artificial Intelligence and Its Six Subsets
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