Final answer:
Monks typically preached and wrote in Latin in the Western Empire and Greek in the Eastern Empire. The languages used reflected the cultural and lingual dominance of these regions during various historical periods.
Step-by-step explanation:
In historical texts and scriptures, monks have often been depicted as guardians of knowledge and culture, playing significant roles in the preservation and dissemination of religious teachings. At different times and places, the language in which monks preached and transcribed manuscripts varied based on the prevalent culture and lingua franca. In Western Europe during the time of Jerome, for instance, Latin was used in the production of the Christian Bible, known as the Vulgate. Over in the Eastern Empire, Greek was the dominant language. Monasteries served as major centers of learning, copying not only Christian texts but also classical Greek or Roman writings. As for the illuminated manuscripts, monks diligently worked on transcribing biblical information and other religious texts, often in Latin, and embellished these texts with intricate illuminations.