back channel

• Canal não oficial ou secundário de comunicação, usado para transmitir informações de forma confidencial fora dos canais formais, frequentemente em diplomacia, negócios ou inteligência.

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 não oficial

   • 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.

   Retorno não verbal na conversa

   • 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.