Walter Benjamin’s essay, “The Task of the Translator,” explores translation not merely as a transfer of information, but as a process involving the survival and transformation of a literary work. It posits that a translation’s value resides not in its fidelity to the original’s literal meaning, but in its ability to reveal the pure language underlying both the original and the translation. This “pure language” is conceived as a realm of linguistic potential, which translation helps to illuminate. For instance, a translation might intentionally deviate from strict semantic equivalence to capture the original’s rhythm or tone, thereby revealing aspects of its essence that a literal rendering would obscure.
The significance of this perspective lies in its challenge to conventional notions of translational accuracy. Instead of viewing translation as a secondary or derivative activity, Benjamin elevates it to a creative act that contributes to the ongoing life of the original work. His work has been influential in translation studies, literary theory, and philosophy, prompting reconsideration of the relationship between language, meaning, and interpretation. Its historical context is rooted in early 20th-century debates about language and the nature of artistic creation, reflecting a broader interest in the underlying structures and potentials of communication.
