The Code and Context of Monasteriales Indicia: A Semiotic Analysis of Late Anglo-Saxon Monastic Sign Language
Juan Camilo Conde‐Silvestre
1. Introduction. The manuscript and Benedictine contexts of Monasteriales Indicia is an Old English description the sign language used by community at Christchurch, Canterbury, possibly other monastic establishments late Anglo-Saxon England. text preserved in folios 97v-101v mid-eleventh century Cotton Tiberius A.iii, now British Library. also contains a glossed copy AElfric's Colloquy Latin versions Regula Sancti Benedicti as well some its adaptations Carolingian worlds: Memoriale Qualiter, Collectic Capitularis and, especially, late-tenth native consuetudinary, Regularis Concordia, with gloss. (1) gathering together key writings on reformation monasticism, like Rule St. Benedict practical or educational texts, Indicia, makes it possible that was compiled didactic intention. It well-known n ovices were read several times during their first year cella novitiorum throughout this preparatory period they may have been taught Latin, means Colloquy, signs prevalent each monastery, help (Porter 1994). As Banham suggests, context imply aim A.iii to make reform basic texts comprehensible speakers (1997). In fact, similarity between list contemporary continental codes written - one included William Hirsau's Constitutiones (late eleventh century) lists Bernhard (1075) Udalrich (1083) (Jarecki 1981) point common source, which Cluny extended geographically movement. Indeed, fact only translated into vernacular manuscript: original tex t so novices who did not adequate command could learn signs, because harder acquire Anglo-Saxons than French contemporaries (Banham 1991: 11). (2) Despite obvious interest for comprehending characteristics reformed life England, much attention has given text. exceptions are early edition Kluge (1885) textual notes Logeman (1899) Swaen (1920). A recent translation system Sherlock (1989), semiotic discussion Barley (1974) latest (1991) all contributed revive scholarly sources functions medieval non-verbal communication. paper I intend explore aspects be interpretation culture. Firstly, review contents comparison Cluniac provide evidence everyday details life. Secondly, application modem semiotics code communication allow us observe different procedures construction these order reach conclusions how surrounding world viewed represented members religious communities. 2. supplies immediate cultural induced compilation Indicia. considered silence indispensable divine contemplation both instrumentum bonorum operum (4: 51-54) achieving humilitatis gradum (8: 56-58) necessary regulation …
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