Glossari, versioni e proverbi A proposito di una miscellanea scolastica tardoquattrocentesca

Through the case-study provided by a miscellany of the second half of the 15th century, that ­contains Humanist works, a Latin glossary, some exercises in translation and a series of rhyming Latin and Vernacular proverbs, this paper aims to examine the instruments employed in late medieval language education. The manuscript G.II.17 (Genova Biblioteca Universitaria) is a product of Lombard Humanism and of the ­cultural environment of the Umiliati. This source allows us to analyze the textual typology of materials used in linguistic teaching; it also enables us to evaluate the aspects of ­continuity and novelty of this production ­compared to that of the previous century. Special attention is given to the relationship between Latin and the Vernacular, as well as to the structure of the vernacular employed. The language seems to reflect, on the one hand, an advanced process of “koineizzazione”, and on the other hand, the persistence of a high degree of polymorphism, especially in certain features.