Author(s)

Zhikun Zhou, Jun Wang

Corresponding Author

Jun Wang

Abstract

Driven by a salvationist complex, Walter Benjamin proposed that the core of “The task of the translator” lies in returning to “pure language” through translation. While his spiritual pursuit is commendable, his methodological approach is fundamentally flawed. By overemphasizing the mysterious power of language and neglecting the primacy of human thought and spirit, Benjamin fell into the cognitive error of inverting the primary and secondary elements. The “translator” in Benjamin's writing is not a translator in the true sense; the extreme literal translation he advocated, which aims solely at reproducing the complementarity of modes of intention between languages and approaching pure language while completely abandoning the transmission of meaning, is drastically different from traditional translation theories and holds no practical value. This paper argues that the core responsibility of translation (and translators) remains “converting words to achieve mutual understanding.” It is noteworthy that the phenomenon of “creative benevolent distortion” in the interpretation of Benjamin's translation thoughts within the domestic academic circle runs counter to the objectivity and rigor inherent in academic research.

Keywords

Walter Benjamin, The Task of the Translator, Pure Language, Creative Benevolent Distortion