Szójegyzékek

Szójegyzékek, often translated as "foot-lists" or "annotation lists" in English, are a unique feature found in some historical Hungarian manuscripts and printed books. These lists consist of short, handwritten annotations or explanations inserted at the bottom of a page, or sometimes in the margins, to clarify or elaborate on the main text. They served a similar purpose to modern footnotes or endnotes, providing supplementary information without disrupting the flow of the primary narrative.

The content of szójegyzékek could vary widely. They might offer definitions of obscure words, explain historical or cultural references, provide biblical citations, or even include personal commentary from the scribe or reader. In some cases, they were added by the original scribe as part of the manuscript's creation, while in others, they were later additions by scholars or readers who engaged with the text. This practice highlights a tradition of active engagement with written material, where readers were not merely passive recipients of information but active interpreters and annotators.

The study of szójegyzékek offers valuable insights into the linguistic, intellectual, and cultural history of Hungary. They reveal the vocabulary and understanding of the time, the scholarly interests of individuals, and the methods by which knowledge was transmitted and preserved. The physical placement of these annotations at the foot of the page also contributes to the visual and textual landscape of historical Hungarian documents, differentiating them from other annotation traditions. They represent an important element in understanding the evolution of scholarly and textual practices in Hungary.