Using Natural Language Interfaces

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of natural language interfaces. A goal of human factors research with computer systems is to develop human–computer communication modes that are both error tolerant and easily learned. The goal of most natural language systems is to provide a program interface that minimizes the training required. To most, this means supplying a system that allows the use of the words and syntax of a language used in common noncomputer discourse, such as English. There is some disagreement as to the amount of understanding or flexibility that is required in the system. For example, systems have been proposed that provide natural language by permitting the user to construct English sentences by selecting words from menus. However, the idea that a system using English words in an artificial format should be considered a natural language system has been rejected.

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