The Task of the Translator – Walter Benjamin – 1923, Harry Zohn (translator), Routledge (2000)
The Task of the Translator
Walter Benjamin’s The Task of the Translator examines the nature of translation, not merely as a linguistic exercise, but as a mode of engaging with the original text and revealing its inherent qualities. The work delves into the concept of ‘pure language’—a lost, ideal language from which all earthly tongues are derived—and argues that translation should strive to approximate this original state, not by literal equivalence, but by recreating the original’s intent and ‘aura’ in a new linguistic form. Benjamin posits that a true translation doesn’t serve to make the original accessible to a wider audience; rather, it serves to free the original from the limitations of its own language.
Historical / Cultural Context
Published in 1923, The Task of the Translator emerged from a period of intense intellectual ferment following World War I. Benjamin, a key figure in the Frankfurt School, was concerned with the effects of modernity on culture and experience. The rise of nationalism and the perceived fragmentation of language contributed to his exploration of a universal, underlying linguistic truth. Furthermore, the work reflects a broader interest within literary theory at the time in the relationship between language, thought, and representation. The concept of ‘aura’, central to Benjamin’s argument, would later become a critical point in his broader analysis of the impact of mechanical reproduction on art, as seen in his famous essay “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction.”
Who This Book Is For
This work is primarily intended for readers with an academic or theoretical interest in literary studies, translation theory, linguistics, and philosophy. It is a challenging but rewarding read for those interested in the philosophical underpinnings of language and the complexities of intercultural communication. While not requiring a specific linguistic background, familiarity with philosophical concepts and literary criticism will enhance comprehension. It offers a unique perspective relevant to those interested in the psychological dimensions of perception and cognition – how meaning is formed, conveyed, and received.
Further Reading
- Paul Ricoeur, On Translation: A prominent work in translation studies that builds upon and critiques Benjamin’s ideas.
- Roman Jakobson, On Linguistic Aspects of Translation: Explores translation from a structural linguistic perspective.
- Martin Heidegger, On the Origin of Language: A philosophical exploration of language as the “house of Being,” which provides a related, if distinct, framework for understanding the significance of language and translation.
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