THE CONCEPT OF COMMUNICATION: THEORETICAL APPROACHES AND CONTEMPORARY INTERPRETATIONS

Abstract

This article examines scientific approaches to the concept of communication and analyzes its social significance in the context of contemporary social development. The study traces the historical evolution of communication, from early forms of oral interaction to modern digital communication systems, highlighting their role in shaping social interaction and collective activity. Particular attention is paid to classical and contemporary communication theories developed by foreign and Russian scholars, including linear, systemic, and non-linear models of communication. The article emphasizes that communication is not limited to the transmission of information but represents a complex social process involving the creation, interpretation, and exchange of meaning. The analysis demonstrates that effective communication serves as a fundamental factor in the functioning of social institutions and organizations, contributing to social cohesion, mutual understanding, and organizational efficiency. The findings confirm the interdisciplinary nature of communication studies and underscore the growing importance of communication processes in modern society.