The grammatical compendium commonly attributed to Folchino dei Borfoni (14th c.), a critical edition and study

This thesis, comprising four introductory chapters and Latin text, presents the first study and edition of the grammatical compendium attributed to Folchino dei Borfoni which is preserved in the 14th-century manuscript Milan, Biblioteca Ambrosiana, H 66 inf., ff. 2r-70r. Intended for teaching Latin to native Italian speakers in Cremona during the last quarter of the l4th century, the compendium represents a prime example of medieval linguistic theory on the threshold of Italian Humanism. This text holds a special interest for the normative tradition of grammar in Italy. for while following a format common to medieval Italian grammars (i.e. the alternation of prose and verse to express rules), it also includes a set of verbal classification which was subsequently adopted by the humanists (e.g. Guarino Veronese). The practicality of vernacular-Latin translation exercises needed by the contemporary Italian society and employed in conjunction with medieval methodology reflects Folchino's position at a pivotal point in education. Working within the prescribed framework of a Priscianic treatise, he incorporates modistic terminology, a product of medieval scholasticism, in his treatment of syntax, yet fulfills the practical needs of his students, the future humanists, by furnishing vernacular equivalents for verbs; he draws on all of the authorities available to a late medieval grammarian: Biblical, classical, medieval, and contemporary (e.g. Petrarch). The scarcity of edited medieval grammars and the lack of primary sources for the history of education, linguistics, and grammar confirm the significance of this edition. Chapter I reviews the 'status quaestionis' and previous notices of Folchino in secondary sources. I present my findings on Folchino's life, in both secondary and manuscript sources, and also examine the relationship between all of Folchino's known works and the codicological links between them which support the date and authorship of the manuscript This is followed by a manuscript description of H 66 inf., including discussion of the composition of the manuscript and its various scribes. Chapter 2 discusses Folchino's grammatical sources and how he uses them in a unique combination: e.g. Priscian, Alexander of Villadei, Eberhard of Bethune, Balbi's 'Catholicon', Hugutio of Pisa, Pietro da Isolella; references to Christian and classical authorities are frequently of his own choosing. Chapter 3 analyzes the methodology used in the compendium, including the role played by the use of the vernacular and mnemonic verses in language teaching. A detailed examination of the grammatical terminology, content and structure of the text helps to place Folchino in the grammatical tradition as well as to trace his influence on the subsequent generation of Italian grammarians. Chapter 4 studies the Latin of the grammar, the use of medieval forms, Italianisms, and lexical choices and how the orthography may be indicative of 14th-century pronunciation. I also provide a detailed linguistic description of the northern Italian dialect found throughout the grammar. The edition of the compendium itself is divided into five main sections: ' De nominibus, De verbis, De partibus constructionis, Ortographia Magistri Folchini', and 'De prosodia'.