The Amish speak a variety of dialects of German called Pennsylvania Dutch or Pennsylvania German. This is their first language and the language spoken in Amish homes and communities. English is learned later as their second language once Amish children start school. The Amish originally immigrated from various regions of Germany and Switzerland, bringing their distinct dialects of German with them to North America starting in the 18th century.
What is Pennsylvania Dutch?
Pennsylvania Dutch, also called Pennsylvania German, refers to the varieties of South German dialects brought to Pennsylvania by Amish and Mennonite immigrants in the 1700s and 1800s. The term “Dutch” is misleading – these dialects are German, not Dutch. The word “Dutch” comes from the German word “Deutsch” meaning German. So Pennsylvania Dutch actually means Pennsylvania German.
The most commonly spoken dialects of Pennsylvania Dutch among the Amish include:
- Bernese German – spoken by Amish in Berks and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
- Alsatian – spoken by Amish in Adams County, Indiana
- Palatinate German – spoken by Amish in northern Indiana
- Swiss German – spoken by Amish in Allen County, Indiana
There are subtle differences between these Pennsylvania Dutch dialects including pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. But speakers from different communities are generally able to understand each other despite their dialect variations.
Origins of Pennsylvania Dutch
In the 16th to 18th centuries, thousands of German-speaking immigrants arrived in Pennsylvania seeking religious freedom and economic opportunities. These immigrants included:
- Mennonites from the Palatinate region of Germany
- Amish and Brethren from the Alsace region of France and Baden, Germany
- Schwenkfelders from Silesia (now in Poland)
- German Baptists and Pietists from the Palatinate, Switzerland, and southern Germany
These groups brought their regional German dialects with them, which over time blended together into the unique hybrid dialects collectively known as Pennsylvania Dutch. The largest concentrations of Pennsylvania Dutch speakers today are found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, and Ontario, Canada.
Characteristics of Pennsylvania Dutch
Pennsylvania Dutch has the following distinctive linguistic characteristics:
- Pronunciation: Differs from standard German pronunciation. Vowels tend to be longer and diphthongs are monophthongized.
- Grammar: Simplified grammatical structure compared to standard German. For example, no grammatical case system for articles.
- Vocabulary: Incorporates English loanwords. Also uses some archaic German words no longer found in standard German.
- Anglicization: Many Amish use English grammar and syntax when speaking Pennsylvania Dutch.
Relationship to Standard German
Pennsylvania Dutch is not the same as standard literary German. While mutually intelligible to some degree, there are significant differences between the two:
- Pronunciation – Pennsylvania Dutch uses dialect pronunciation while standard German uses prescribed pronunciation based on northern dialects.
- Grammar – Pennsylvania Dutch has incorporated simplified English-influenced grammar.
- Vocabulary – Pennsylvania Dutch uses many antiquated German words not in modern standard German.
- Standardization – Standard German is based on codified rules while Pennsylvania Dutch is informally spoken with localized variations.
So while Pennsylvania Dutch descended from German dialects, it has diverged over centuries of use in North America to become its own language variety.
Use of English Loanwords
A distinctive feature of Pennsylvania Dutch is its incorporation of many English loanwords into its vocabulary. Examples include:
- Babysitta – to babysit
- Bleischtip – lead pencil
- Fenschte – window
- Schellack – shellac
The use of these English words reflects the Amish adoption of modern conveniences and technologies within their communities. English loanwords are anglicized to follow German phonology and morphology when adapted into Pennsylvania Dutch.
Dialect Variations
There are regional variations between the major Pennsylvania Dutch dialects including:
Bernese German
- Spoken in Berks and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
- Closely related to Swiss German dialects.
- Pronounces “r” at the end of syllables.
- Favors idiomatic expressions.
Alsatian
- Spoken by Amish in Adams County, Indiana.
- Influence from French language due to proximity to France.
- Differs in vowel sounds and diphthongs.
- Uses different vocabulary terms than Bernese German.
Palatinate German
- Spoken by Amish in northern Indiana.
- Originates from southwestern Germany.
- Rolled “r” sound.
- Favors literal interpretation over idiomatic speech.
Despite these subtle variations, most Pennsylvania Dutch speakers can understand each other without too much difficulty.
Use Among Amish and Mennonites
Pennsylvania Dutch is spoken primarily by Anabaptist communities like the Amish and Mennonites. They have retained this language for over 300 years to reinforce cultural identity and maintain separation from mainstream society.
Usage patterns among Amish and Mennonite communities include:
- Used as the language of the home and spoken as the first language of children.
- Used for in-group communication, prayer, and Bible study.
- Children learn English upon starting school around ages 6-7.
- Adults use English for business transactions and interactions with non-Plain outsiders.
- Many Old Order Amish who reject modern influences continue to prefer Pennsylvania Dutch.
For Amish and Mennonite peoples, speaking Pennsylvania Dutch serves to distinguish themselves from the outside world and maintain traditional beliefs and values through their unique language.
Decline in Use
Despite its strong associations with Amish identity, there are signs Pennsylvania Dutch is declining, even among Plain communities:
- English is becoming the preferred home language in many families.
- Higher assimilation rates lead more Amish to adopt mainstream culture and language.
- Many children no longer learn Pennsylvania Dutch as their first language.
- Schools transition to using English for instruction earlier.
- English dominates for business and communication needs outside the community.
Some academics estimate Pennsylvania Dutch may disappear entirely within a few generations if these assimilation trends continue. However, more isolated and conservative Amish settlements continue to use the language vigorously.
Preserving the Language
Efforts are underway to try and preserve Pennsylvania Dutch language and culture. These include:
- Private Schools – Some Amish schools are transitioning to Pennsylvania Dutch instruction to promote the language.
- Publishing – Periodicals and books printed in Pennsylvania Dutch can reinforce reading and writing.
- Community Events – Hosting mundane events like markets and auctions in Pennsylvania Dutch encourages public use.
- Language Classes – College courses on Pennsylvania Dutch aim to educate both Amish and English speakers on the language.
However, it remains to be seen whether these revitalization attempts will reverse the gradual decline in everyday Pennsylvania Dutch use within Amish communities in the long run.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pennsylvania Dutch refers to the various German dialects spoken by the Amish and Mennonites in North America. Originating from immigrants in the 1700s, these dialects include unique vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammatical structures setting them apart from standard German. While deeply intertwined with Amish identity and values, inter-generational transmission of Pennsylvania Dutch is decreasing under pressures of assimilation. Time will tell whether efforts to save this language variety will succeed in preserving Pennsylvania Dutch beyond Amish settlements.