talk-back
C1Technical / Media / Specialized Informal
Definition
Meaning
A feature in communication or broadcasting systems that allows a listener, viewer, or user to respond directly to the source, often immediately and audibly.
Can refer to any instance of critical, argumentative, or cheeky verbal response; also used in psychology and management to describe immediate feedback in conversations or training.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun (the system or the act). Can be used attributively (e.g., talk-back facility). The hyphen is often retained to avoid confusion with the phrasal verb "talk back".
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British English in broadcasting contexts. In American English, 'two-way radio' or 'feedback' might be preferred in some technical contexts.
Connotations
Neutral to technical in both. Can have a slight informal, cheeky connotation when referring to a person's argumentative response.
Frequency
Low-frequency specialized term in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[N] with talk-back[V] via talk-backThe [system] features talk-backVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No direct idioms. Related: 'talk back to someone' (answer cheekily).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in corporate training for real-time Q&A with remote participants.
Academic
Rare. Might appear in media studies or communication technology papers.
Everyday
Very rare. Understood mainly by those interested in radio, podcasting, or public speaking tech.
Technical
Standard term in broadcasting, sound engineering, and two-way radio communication.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The presenter used a talk-back facility to hear questions from the studio next door.
- We need a radio with a talk-back function for the event security.
American English
- The engineer checked the talk-back channel before going live.
- The talk-back feature on this intercom is crystal clear.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The theatre guide has a talk-back system for hard-of-hearing visitors.
- During the live broadcast, a fault in the talk-back meant the presenter couldn't hear the director's instructions.
- The pilot communicated with ground crew via the plane's talk-back.
- The webinar platform's integrated talk-back functionality allowed for a dynamic, seminar-like discussion despite the participants being globally dispersed.
- After his speech, the CEO took part in a candid talk-back session with junior staff members.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TALK show where the host can hear the audience talk BACK to them instantly.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A TWO-WAY STREET (enabled by technology).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'обратная связь' (feedback) в общем смысле. 'Talk-back' – конкретная техническая или организованная система для мгновенного голосового ответа.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'talkback' as one word without a hyphen in formal writing, which can cause confusion with the verb phrase.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I talk-backed to him' – incorrect). The verb is 'talk back' (two words).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'talk-back' most appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Feedback' is a broad term for any response or information about a result. 'Talk-back' is a specific technical system for immediate, usually audio, two-way communication, often within a structured setting like broadcasting or public address.
The hyphenated form 'talk-back' is generally preferred, especially in formal or technical writing, to clearly distinguish it from the verb phrase 'talk back'. The one-word form is sometimes seen informally.
'Talk-back' is primarily a noun (or an attributive noun/adjective). The verb is the separable phrasal verb 'to talk back' (e.g., 'The child talked back to the teacher').
No, it's a low-frequency, specialized term. Most learners will encounter it only in specific contexts related to media, technology, or event management.