Natural language processing (NLP) in AI technologies encompasses a variety of tasks that enable machines to understand and interpret human language. Key components include speech recognition, which translates spoken language into text; text analysis, where machines derive meaning from written content; and sentiment analysis, which evaluates emotional tone. These technologies facilitate human-computer interactions, enabling applications like chatbots, virtual assistants, and language translation services. NLP integrates linguistics, machine learning, and computer science to bridge the gap between human communication and machine understanding.