Final answer:
The transactional nature of communication refers to the elements influencing each other simultaneously, contrasting with linear models and recognizing the dynamic interconnectivity of the communication process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Today's scholars emphasize the transactional nature of communication, which means that the elements simultaneously influence and are influenced by the others. This approach contrasts with linear models of communication, where elements are thought to occur in a specific sequence with a clear start and endpoint. Instead, the transactional model acknowledges the complex, multifaceted interactions between all participants in the communication process, recognizing that these elements are interconnected and can change dynamically over time.