Natural language processing (NLP) is a specialized area of artificial intelligence that focuses on the development of computer applications and algorithms enabling machines to comprehend, interpret, and generate human language without altering its meaning. The primary goal of NLP is to enhance communication between humans and machines and automate language-related tasks like translation, sentiment analysis, and speech recognition. NLP utilizes various techniques such as tokenization, parsing, semantic analysis, and machine learning algorithms to process and understand human language.