back channel

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In telecommunications

A back-channel (also reverse channel or return channel) is typically a low-speed, or less-than-optimal, transmission channel in the opposite direction to the main channel.

In IT Security

The method a malicious program uses to secretly communicate to command and control servers from a compromised computer. Typically this communication is used by malware to request instructions, upload data and download other modules of code to be used by the compromised computer.

In diplomacy

A back channel in the language of diplomacy is an unofficial channel of communication between states or other political entities, used to supplement official channels, often for the purposes of discussing highly sensitive policy issues.

In linguistics

In Linguistics, backchannels are listener responses that can be both verbal and non-verbal in nature.

The term backchannel was designed to imply that there are two channels of communication operating simultaneously during a conversation.^[1] The predominant channel is that of the speaker who directs primary speech flow. The secondary channel of communication (or backchannel) is that of the listener which functions to provide continuers or assessments,^[2] defining a listener's comprehension and/or interest.

Due to research development in recent years, backchannel responses have been expanded to include sentence completions, requests for clarification, brief statements, and non-verbal responses and now fall into three categories: non-lexical, phrasal, and substantive.^[3]

1. A non-lexical backchannel is a vocalized sound that has little or no referential meaning but still verbalizes the listener's attention.
2. Phrasal backchannels most commonly assess or acknowledge a speakers communication with simple words or phrases (for example, "Really?" or "Wow!" in English)
3. Substantive backchannels consist of more substantial turn taking by the listener and usually manifest as asking for clarification or repetitions.

Backchannel communication is present in all cultures and languages though frequency and use may vary. Confusion and/or distraction can occur during an intercultural encounter if participants from both parties are unfamiliar or unaccustomed to the backchannel norms of the opposing communicator.

In business

In business, back-channeling is an organizational practice that involves bypassing recognized or official communication processes, usually by sharing information anonymously up the reporting structure at least two levels, in order to create vulnerability at the level(s) skipped. It is a means by which lower-level members can manipulate perceived power differentials with a superior through a more senior accommodating manager in the organization.^{[citation needed]}

In medicine

In medicine, back-channeling is much the same as in the business application which involves "inappropriate organizational practice" as it comprises the disparate exchange of data on a patient in utilizing their medical records.^{[citation needed]} The Veterans Administration may do less back-channeling than other medical systems because they openly admit to "flagging" problem patients in their computer system, and they strive to give disclosure and apologies for medical mistakes.^{[citation needed]} On the whole, any back-channeling efforts in medicine are usually done as the result of risk management practices.^{[citation needed]}

In public speaking

In public speaking, back-channeling is the practice of electronically passing notes among some or all of the audience/students during the lecture. When sanctioned, this practice is particularly useful for speakers who are attempting to dynamically modify their presentations based on immediate feedback from the audience. When unsanctioned, this practice is often very distracting for the presenter. Meebo and Twitter are common back channeling devices, although any chat room style device works well.^{[citation needed]}

Reference List

External links

• (Linguistics) Back-Channel Facts website