Skip to main content

Natural Language Processing and Speech Recognition

Natural language processing (NLP) allows machines to read, understand and interpret human language. This facilitates effective communication between humans and computers.

Speech recognition and processing focuses on converting spoken language into text by machines, enhancing human-computer interaction through vocal commands.

Some information about the learning material found on this page:

  • the first two learnings on this page are suitable for all staff, and the latter learnings are suitable for Government Digital and Data professionals, or those with a technical interest
  • there is no need to complete all learning material; choose what is relevant to you
  • all learning material is free, but may require the creation of a free account to access
  • some learning material contains practical exercises requiring a licence; exercises can be skipped if necessary

Learning Outcomes

Based on the learning material you choose, you will be able to:

  • define Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Speech Recognition
  • compare NLP technologies to understand the different functionality presented by each
  • describe how to plan for the effective use of NLP technologies in your role / department

Learning Material

What is Natural Language Processing (NLP)?

IBM article explaining the basic concepts of Natural Language Processing.


What is speech recognition?

IBM article explaining the basic concepts of speech recognition including example use cases.


Amazon Lex Getting Started

Amazon Web Service (AWS) eLearning covering the benefits, usage, and pricing structure of Amazon Lex.


Getting Started with Amazon Textract

Microsoft written course introducing the concepts that make NLP possible.


Introduction to natural language processing concepts

Microsoft written course introducing the concepts that make NLP possible.


Get started with natural language processing in Azure

Microsoft written course exploring Azure AI Language’s NLP features, which include sentiment analysis, key phrase extraction, named entity recognition, and language detection.


Develop natural language solutions in Azure

Microsoft learning pathway exploring creation of custom entity recognition solutions as well as text and speech recognition.


Amazon Transcribe Getting Started

AWS eLearning covering the benefits, usage and pricing structure of Amazon Transcribe.


Amazon Kendra Getting Started

AWS eLearning covering the benefits, usage and pricing structure of Amazon Transcribe of Amazon Kendra.