backchannel
backchannel — 名詞
- backchannelsingular
- backchannelsplural
1. a way of exchanging messages or information that stays hidden from most people,
秘密管道
不公開的資訊交流方式
a way of exchanging messages or information that stays hidden from most people, often used during official events or in situations where open discussion would be risky
During the summit, staff members used a backchannel to share updates without reporters noticing.
高峰會期間，工作人員利用秘密管道更新資訊，不讓記者發現。
collocation: use a backchannel
The two companies kept a backchannel open to discuss a possible partnership in secret.
那兩家公司保持一條秘密管道，以便暗中討論合作的可能性。
A backchannel between the negotiators helped both sides reach a deal when public talks failed.
談判雙方之間的秘密管道幫助彼此在公開會談失敗後達成協議。
Mira received the news through a backchannel hours before the official announcement was made.
Mira 在正式公告前數小時就透過秘密管道得知了這個消息。
- private channel
less specific — can refer to any non-public communication, not necessarily secret
- secret channel
stronger emphasis on concealment; can sound more dramatic
- behind-the-scenes communication
more descriptive; common in journalism and politics
- public channel
a communication method open to all
- official channel
the approved or formal route for communication
用法筆記
Often used in contexts involving diplomacy, journalism, business negotiations, or online communities where participants need discretion.
常見錯誤
2. a small sound or gesture made by a listener during a conversation, such as noddi
聆聽回應
聽話時表示注意的聲音或手勢
a small sound or gesture made by a listener during a conversation, such as nodding or saying 'uh-huh,' that tells the speaker they are being followed and understood
Lara nodded frequently during the interview, offering backchannel signals to keep the speaker talking.
Lara 在訪談中頻頻點頭，用聆聽回應的訊號讓對方繼續說下去。
collocation: backchannel signal
Short sounds like 'mm-hmm' are common backchannel responses that show you are still listening.
像「嗯哼」這類簡短的聲音就是常見的聆聽回應，表示你還在聽。
example of common backchannel sounds
Without any backchannel from the listener, Emre felt unsure whether to continue his story.
聽者沒有任何聆聽回應，Emre 不太確定是否該繼續說下去。
Linguists study backchannel behaviour to understand how people take turns in conversation.
語言學家研究聆聽回應行為，以了解人們如何在對話中輪流發言。
- listening cue
more specific to the listener's role; less technical
- feedback signal
broader — can include both verbal and non-verbal signals in any interaction
- minimal response
technical term in linguistics for brief verbal cues like 'mm-hmm' or 'yeah'
用法筆記
This is a technical term in conversation analysis (linguistics). In everyday English, people say 'listening sounds' or 'showing you are paying attention.'
backchannel — 動詞
- backchannelpresent simple I / you / we / they
- backchannels3rd person singular
- backchanneling-ing form
- backchanneledpast simple
1. to send messages or exchange information secretly with one or more people while
私下溝通
以不公開方式討論
to send messages or exchange information secretly with one or more people while a main conversation, meeting, or event is happening, usually using a separate device or a hidden method
Staff members backchanneled through a messaging app while the director was still presenting.
主管還在簡報時，工作人員就透過即時通訊軟體私下溝通。
backchannel + through + [device/app]
Tanvi and her teammates backchannel during long video calls to share quick reactions without interrupting.
Tanvi 和隊友在漫長的視訊會議中私下溝通，即時交換感想而不打斷會議。
The diplomats backchanneled to arrange a meeting that never appeared on any official schedule.
外交官們私下溝通，安排了一場從未出現在正式行程表上的會面。
During the debate, the campaign team backchanneled to adjust their strategy in real time.
辯論進行期間，競選團隊私下溝通，即時調整策略。
- communicate privately
more general and neutral; does not carry the 'during an event' nuance
- communicate off the record
common in journalism; implies the information should not be publicly attributed
- use side channels
more technical; often used in business or cybersecurity contexts
- speak openly
to communicate without secrecy or restriction
- address publicly
to share information in a public forum
文法句型
backchannel with [someone]
backchannel during [event]
backchannel about [topic]
用法筆記
Subject is usually a group or team. Frequently used with prepositions like 'with,' 'through,' or 'during.' Rarely used in the passive voice.
2. to make small sounds or physical gestures while someone is speaking, letting the
發出回應
用聲音或手勢表示在聽
to make small sounds or physical gestures while someone is speaking, letting the speaker know you are following what they say
Kemi backchanneled with soft 'I see' comments while her colleague explained the problem.
Kemi 一邊聽同事解釋問題，一邊輕聲回應「我知道」來表示在聽。
backchannel + with [sound/gesture]
Xiu backchanneled by nodding gently while her roommate described the accident.
Xiu 輕輕點頭回應，當時室友正在描述事故經過。
backchannel + by + [verb-ing]
A good listener backchannels naturally without interrupting the speaker's flow.
好的聆聽者會自然發出回應，不打斷說話者的思緒。
The therapist backchanneled regularly to encourage the client to keep sharing personal experiences.
心理治療師定期發出回應，鼓勵個案繼續分享個人經歷。
- nod along
more specific (physical gesture only); common in everyday English
- show you are listening
explanatory phrase; not a single-word synonym but clearer for learners
- give listening cues
used in communication training and business contexts
文法句型
backchannel with [sound/gesture]
backchannel to show [that-clause]
用法筆記
This is a technical term from linguistics and conversation analysis. In everyday English, a speaker is more likely to say 'they nodded along' or 'they made listening noises.'