Ars loquendi et ars tacendi

✍ Scribed by Prof. Dr. Paul Gerhard Schmidt

• Book ID: 102758215
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1981
• Tongue: German
• Weight: 560 KB
• Volume: 4
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0170-6233
• DOI: 10.1002/bewi.19810040104

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

The monastic rule of Saint Benedict imposes silence in the chapel, dormitory and refectory. A monk who wishes to communicate in these places is permitted to use signs (signa loquendi) which are made with the hands. Ever since the 11 th century these signs have been assembled in lists for the use of novices. The size, composition and arrangement of the lists reflect the requirements and the spirituality of the individual monastic orders (Cluny, Order of St. Victor and Cistercians) and they are adapted to local conditions. The excessive use the Cistercians made of sign language was rejected and condemned by the other orders.