THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO LINGUISTIC COMPRESSION IN TRANSLATION STUDIES

Linguistic compression is a key phenomenon in translation studies, referring to the reduction of linguistic material in the target text while maintaining semantic integrity and communicative effectiveness. Although widely practiced, linguistic compression has often been examined indirectly within broader theoretical frameworks such as equivalence, simplification, and translation norms. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the main theoretical approaches to linguistic compression, focusing on functionalist, descriptive, linguistic, and cognitive perspectives. Drawing on the works of Eugene Nida, Hans Vermeer, Gideon Toury, and Mona Baker, the study synthesizes key concepts that explain the mechanisms and motivations behind compression in translation. The methodology is based on qualitative analysis and theoretical comparison of foundational texts. The findings indicate that linguistic compression is a multidimensional process shaped by communicative purpose, linguistic structure, cultural norms, and cognitive constraints. The article argues for an integrated theoretical framework that combines insights from different approaches to better understand and apply linguistic compression in translation practice. The study contributes to translation theory by systematizing existing knowledge and highlighting the relevance of compression in cross-linguistic communication.