Hallgatóságban

Hallgatóságban is a Hungarian phrase meaning “in the audience.” It combines the noun hallgatóság, meaning the audience or listeners, with the locative suffix -ban/-ben, signaling position inside that group. The expression is used to describe someone’s physical location relative to a presentation, lecture, or performance, emphasizing that the person is among the listeners rather than on stage or speaking.

In usage, hallgatóságban often conveys a perspective or point of view in communication. It can indicate that a person is receiving the message, observing reactions, or participating as a listener. The distinction from phrases like hallgatóság előtt (in front of the audience) is important: hallgatóságban places the subject among the listeners, whereas hallgatóság előtt positions the subject opposite the audience, typically addressing them from a podium or stage.

Etymology: hallgatóság is formed from hallgató, “listener,” with the abstract noun suffix -ság, yielding “the audience of listeners.” The locative suffix -ban/-ben marks location within that group. The construction reflects a common Hungarian pattern for indicating position relative to a group or setting.

Examples: A hallgatóságban ülő diákok figyelték az előadást. The students seated in the audience watched the presentation. A beszéd közben a hallgatóságban lévő résztvevők érdeklődéssel követték a vitát. These usages illustrate how hallgatóságban situates a person within the audience during a discourse.