Introduction to Natural Language Processing Foundations of NLP and Its Role in Intelligent Systems and Conversational AI
Parul Saxena, Sreejyothsna Ankam · 2025
This book chapter explores the foundational concepts, techniques, and real-world applications of Natural Language Processing (NLP) in intelligent systems, with a focus on conversational AI and its role in enhancing human-machine interaction. It delves into the evolution of NLP from traditional rule-based systems to modern deep learning approaches, highlighting key linguistic theories and their computational counterparts. The chapter examines core NLP techniques, such as tokenization, named entity recognition, and sentiment analysis, while also discussing the significance of fine-tuning pre-trained models through transfer learning. Practical applications in diverse sectors, including healthcare and legal systems, are presented, demonstrating NLP's potential in automating document understanding and analysis. Furthermore, challenges in NLP implementation, such as handling domain-specific languages and ensuring data security, are addressed. This comprehensive overview underscores the pivotal role of NLP in the development of intelligent systems, offering valuable insights for researchers and practitioners.