back channel

• 指非正式的或次要的沟通渠道，常用于外交、商业或情报领域，在正式渠道之外秘密传递信息。

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.

   非官方渠道

   • 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.

   会话中的非言语反馈

   • 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.