back channel

• Canal de communication officieux ou secondaire, souvent utilisé en diplomatie, en affaires ou dans le renseignement pour transmettre des informations de manière confidentielle en dehors des circuits formels.

An unofficial or secondary means of communication, often used in diplomacy, business, or espionage to convey information discreetly outside formal channels.

1. Secret or unofficial communicationC1formal

   A method of communication that is not official or public, often used in diplomacy or business to discuss sensitive matters.

   Canal officieux

   • The two governments used a back channel to negotiate the peace deal.
   • He sent a message through a back channel to avoid media attention.
   • Back channel discussions helped resolve the conflict quietly.

2. Non-verbal feedback in conversationC2formal

   In linguistics, subtle signals (like nods, facial expressions, or murmurs) that a listener gives to a speaker to show understanding or attention.

   rétroaction non verbale

   • During the lecture, the student's back channel responses indicated agreement.
   • Back channel cues like 'uh-huh' and nodding keep the conversation flowing.
   • Effective speakers watch for back channel signals from their audience.