Natural Language Interfaces - From Queries to Conversations

Abstract

Natural Language Interfaces (NLIs) represent a transformative shift in human-computer interaction, enabling communication through everyday language rather than requiring users to adapt to rigid computational systems. This article examines the evolution, technological foundations, core capabilities, applications, and social implications of NLIs. The progression from early systems like ELIZA to contemporary large language models has dramatically expanded what is possible in human-machine communication, creating interfaces that are increasingly context-aware, adaptive, and capable of understanding nuanced human intent. These advances have led to widespread implementation across consumer, enterprise, healthcare, and educational domains, delivering significant improvements in accessibility, efficiency, and task completion. However, the proliferation of NLIs also introduces important ethical considerations regarding digital divides, privacy implications, questions of agency, and potential cognitive impacts. By synthesizing extensive data across these dimensions, this article provides a comprehensive assessment of how conversational interfaces are reshaping expectations around technology accessibility and use, potentially democratizing access to computational capabilities while also introducing new challenges that require thoughtful consideration as these systems become increasingly embedded in daily life.