What term refers to verbal signals from the listener, like 'really' or 'uh-huh', that show interest or attention?

• A. Back-channelling
• B. Feedback
• C. Paralinguistic cues
• D. Interruptions

Answer: (A)

Back-channeling refers to those quick listener signals that show you're following along and engaged. When someone says “really” or “uh-huh,” they’re providing a back-channel cue: a verbal nudge that encourages the speaker to continue and confirms attention. This is distinct from broader feedback, which can include longer commentary, and from paralinguistic cues, which focus on how something is said rather than the actual words. Interruptions are when a listener cuts off the speaker, which disrupts rather than signals listening. So these words are classic examples of back-channeling, the specific way listeners participate in a conversation to keep it going and show interest.