Translating Translation: Walter Benjamin on the Way to Language

What is it about Walter Benjamins «Task of the Translator»? As it is clearly seminal to Translation Studies, why is it rarely taken seriously? This book re-examines Benjamins text in a broader context and sheds light on this question, so revealing its true potential for Translation Studies and beyond.

When examined in the light of an ontology of language and translation, Benjamins philosophy of language displaces age-old and sterile translation theory debates and re-conceptualises translation theory. This broadens the scope of Translation Studies and allows for the relevance of Benjamins theory. It is no longer just one theory among many within translation theory. It instead underlies and relates to all translation theories.

This book is of interest for Translation Studies as much as for Benjamin scholars.