Natural Language Processing Explanation | Simple Language

NLP is a short form for two different things: natural language processing and neuro-linguistic programming. They are both related to how humans and computers communicate, but they have different goals and methods.

## Natural language processing

Natural language processing (NLP) is a branch of computer science and artificial intelligence that deals with making computers understand and generate human language. Human language is very complex and diverse, and it can be written or spoken, formal or informal, literal or figurative, and so on. Computers need to be able to process and analyze large amounts of natural language data, such as text documents, web pages, social media posts, audio recordings, etc.

Some of the tasks that NLP can help with are:

– **Speech recognition**: converting spoken words into text or commands that a computer can understand. For example, when you use a voice assistant like Siri or Alexa to ask a question or control a device.
– **Machine translation**: translating text or speech from one language to another. For example, when you use Google Translate to read a website in a foreign language or communicate with someone who speaks a different language.
– **Sentiment analysis**: detecting the emotions or opinions expressed in text or speech. For example, when you use a tool like Microsoft Azure Text Analytics to analyze customer feedback or social media posts.

– **Text summarization**: creating a short and concise summary of a longer text. For example, when you use a tool like SMMRY to get the main points of an article or a book.

– **Natural language generation**: creating natural language text or speech from data or other inputs. For example, when you use a tool like GPT-3 to write an essay or a story.

NLP uses different techniques and models to achieve these tasks, such as computational linguistics, machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, etc. NLP is constantly evolving and improving as more data and computing power become available.

Neuro-linguistic programming

Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a pseudoscientific approach to communication, personal development and psychotherapy that was developed by Richard Bandler and John Grinder in the 1970s. NLP claims that there is a connection between our neurological processes (neuro), our language (linguistic) and our learned behaviors (programming), and that we can change them to achieve our goals in life.

Some of the concepts and techniques that NLP uses are:

– **Rapport**: building trust and harmony with others by matching their body language, tone of voice, words, etc.

– **Anchoring**: creating associations between stimuli and emotional responses that can be triggered later. For example, when you hear a song that reminds you of a happy memory or a person.

– **Reframing**: changing the way we perceive a situation or a problem by using different words or perspectives. For example, when you turn a negative feedback into a positive opportunity for improvement.

– **Modelling**: copying the skills or behaviors of successful people by observing and imitating their actions, beliefs, strategies, etc.

– **Meta-model**: challenging vague or distorted language by asking specific questions that reveal the underlying meaning or assumptions. For example, when you ask someone what they mean by “always” or “never”.

NLP has been criticized by many scientists and experts as lacking empirical evidence, scientific rigor, logical consistency and ethical standards. NLP has also been associated with various pseudoscientific fields such as hypnosis, astrology, magic and cults.

## Conclusion

NLP can mean two very different things: natural language processing and neuro-linguistic programming. They are both related to how humans and computers communicate, but they have different goals and methods. Natural language processing is a scientific and technological field that aims to make computers understand and generate human language. Neuro-linguistic programming is a pseudoscientific and controversial approach that claims to change human behavior and cognition through language and other techniques.