Natural language interfaces (NLI) allow users to interact with computers using natural human language rather than formal commands or queries. Some advantages of NLI are that it is easy for users to learn and use since it is based on familiar language, it allows flexibility in task execution, and for many applications it can be faster than menu systems or programming. However, disadvantages include that users may ask questions beyond what the system can interpret or that the flexibility of NLI makes the system less in control of the conversation compared to menu-driven interfaces.

1. Natural Language Interface
Advantages & Dis-Advantages
PART 1

2. WhatisNLI*

Natural language is one of many
‘interface styles’ that can be used in the
dialog between a human user and a
computer
* Byron Long, Dynamic Graphics Project, Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto

3. Advantages**

Easy to learn and easy to remember,
because it’s structure and vocabulary are
already familiar to the user

People need little training to use it in
interfacing with a computer system

It allows considerable flexibility in
executing the steps of a task
** Gary G. Hendrix, Natural-Language Interface, Chairperson, SRI International , Menlo Park, CA

4. Advantages 
For many applications, the use of natural
language in NLI is faster than using a
menu system, or composing formal
queries, or writing computer programs

Natural languages allow follow-up
questions to build on the linguistic context
established by previous dialogue

5. Advantages 
The automatic-programming aspect of
many Natural Language Interface
systems is a key benefit of the interface
technology, in that it provides a means for
reducing the high labor cost of using
humans to program computer algorithms

6. Disadvantages

Users can easily pose questions
or give commands that are
beyond the ability of the system
to interpret

7. Disadvantages 
This is in contrast with a menu
driven system, in which the system
is always in control of the
conversation

Flexibility of an NLI could also be
considered a dis-advantage

8. Thank You
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