Speaking Machines: Artificial Intelligence and Language

We've all heard the expression "rise of the machines" and seen movies like Terminator where technology takes a rather ugly turn in humanity's future right? Technology is so important to our existence that it does indeed seem like we are moving closer and closer to a future where we'll be entirely dependent on machines. After all, how often do you hear of machines taking over jobs that human beings formerly held? Nowadays we don't have to interact with humans to pay our bills, buy tickets to a movie, or even to get directions. Our dependency on machines is to such an extent that it may seem like they'll be taking over any day now, but the reality is far, far different.