A language independent, voice based user interface method includes receiving voice input data spoken by a user, identifying a language spoken by the user from the voice input data, converting the voice input data into a first text in the identified language by recognizing the user's speech in the voice input data based at least in part on the language identifier, parsing the first text to extract a keyword, and using the keyword as a command to an application. Further actions include receiving results to the command, converting the results into a second text in a natural language format according to the identified language, and rendering the second text for perception by the user.