escoltant

Escoltan, also known asescoltant or escolante, refers to a historical practice primarily found in medieval and early modern Europe, particularly in the context of religious and intellectual communities. It describes the act of listening attentively to a lecture, sermon, or oral exposition of a text. The term itself derives from the Latin word "escoltare," meaning "to listen." This practice was fundamental to the transmission of knowledge and religious doctrine before the widespread availability of printed materials. Students would gather in a hall or church to hear a master, monk, or priest read and explain a text, often the Bible, theological treatises, or classical works.

The escoltant was not merely a passive listener. In many instances, the process involved note-taking, summarization, and subsequent discussion or recitation of the material. This active engagement was crucial for comprehension and retention. The quality of the escoltant's listening and note-taking could significantly impact their understanding and ability to reproduce the learned information. In academic settings, this formed the basis of scholastic education. The master would escoltar a text, providing commentary and interpretations, while the students would escoltar the master, absorbing the teachings. This method emphasized oral tradition and the personal authority of the teacher.