Backchannel (disambiguation)
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In telecommunications
A back-channel (also reverse channel, return channel or upstream 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]
- A non-lexical backchannel is a vocalized sound that has little or no referential meaning but still verbalizes the listener's attention. In English, sounds like "uh-huh" and "hmm" serve this role.
- Phrasal backchannels most commonly assess or acknowledge a speakers communication with simple words or phrases (for example, "Really?" or "Wow!" in English)
- 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, bypassing the chain of command 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. This practice may be sanctioned as useful for speakers who are attempting to dynamically modify their presentations based on immediate feedback from the audience. It may be unsanctioned and discouraged as distracting for the presenter. Meebo and Twitter are among the common back channeling devices.
Reference list
- ^ White, Sheida. "Backchannels across cultures: A study of Americans and Japanese ." Language in society (1989): 59-76.
- ^ Li, Han. "Patterns of Backchannel Responses in Canadian-Chinese Conversations" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the International Communication Association, TBA, San Francisco, CA, May 23, 2007 <Not Available>. 2009-02-04 <http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p169308_index.html>
- ^ Young, Richard F. and Jina Lee. "Identifying units in interaction: Reactive tokens in Korean and English conversations." Journal of Sociolinguistics (2004): 380-407.