The evidence for this mode of reception must now be discussed under the ten genre headings listed on p. 60, within each of which works are listed chronologically. Some cases are much weaker than others, but conversely many works, probably received by hearing, cannot be included for lack of evidence. Wherever possible works are discussed separately, but where the material is repetitive they are treated generically. The internal evidence for hearing works recited is largely focused on a verb like hoeren, which can however be used conventionally or metaphorically, so that we shall have to establish whether it is used literally of a given work: either when other criteria for hearing are present or when those for the intermediate mode are found (the audience is seen as reading or hearing the work, or as hearing it recited). This supplementary evidence helps to establish when hoeren is to be understood literally.

Functional literature

Magic charms and blessings had to be voiced to be effective. They were intended for one kind of recital or another: chanting or a low whisper.

For the latter cf. Ad equum errehet (373, 10: tu rune imo in daz ora) or, as a Christian parallel, the Züricher Arzneibuch (384). This written transmission of oral practice (normally resting on spoken contact between master and pupil) is quite exceptional.

Works meant for use in the monastic school are governed by the oral dimension of teaching, where the teacher may use a text as the basis of what he says to his listeners.