Pennsylvania Dutch
From Freepedia
The Pennsylvania Dutch (perhaps more strictly Pennsylvania Deitsch or Pennsylvanian German) are descendants of German speaking immigrants who came to Pennsylvania before 1800. Pennsylvania Dutch were historically speakers of the Pennsylvania German language. They are a people of various religious affiliations, living mostly in southeastern Pennsylvania, with cultural traditions dating back to the German immigrations to America in the 17th and 18th centuries. Image:DSCN4624 holmescountyamishbuggy e.jpg Despite the name, the people are not from the Netherlands, but rather are from various parts of southwest Germany, Elsass and Switzerland. The word "Dutch" here is left over from an archaic sense of the English word, which once referred to Germany as well as to the Low Countries.
Recently due to loss of the Pennsylvania German language in many communities, as well as to intermarriage and increased mobility, especially in the more secular communities, Pennsylvania Dutch ethnic consciousness is often very low, especially among younger Pennsylvania Dutch. Many young Pennsylvania Dutch consider themselves only descendants of Pennsylvania Dutch and it is not part of their personal identity. In some communities the Pennsylvania Dutch name is reserved only for members of the Amish and traditional Mennonite communities. For example, Amish youth who do not join the Amish church are even said to "go English" in which case they may switch their identity from Pennsylvania Dutch to English.
See also
External links
- Amish
- Lancaster County Pennsylvania Pa. Dutch
- Pennsylvania Dutch Culture]
- The Pennsylvania German Society
In Pennsylvania German
- Deitscherei.org - Fer der Deitsch Wandel
- Hiwwe wie Driwwe - The Pennsylvania German Newspaper
- Pennsylvania German Encyclopedia
