Exploring Amish Perspectives and Cultural Identity in Relation to Pennsylvania Dutch Language
Rose Fisher is currently pursuing her doctoral studies in German Linguistics and Language Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University. Her doctoral research delves into the usage and perception of Pennsylvania Dutch (PD) among contemporary members of the Old Order Amish and the Old Order Groffdale Conference Mennonites within Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
As Mark Louden has succinctly explained in his influential publication from Johns Hopkins University Press, Pennsylvania Dutch, this language is essentially a unique American dialect rooted in German linguistic traditions. In her article titled “Amish Attitudes and Identity in Relation to Pennsylvania Dutch”, published in the Journal of Plain Anabaptist Communities in 2023, Rose Fisher emphasizes that Pennsylvania Dutch functions as the linguistic heartbeat of Amish domestic life. It facilitates in-group communication and is deeply intertwined with Amish cultural identity, serving as more than just a language—it’s a symbol of community and heritage (p. 65).
Research Objectives and Scope
Fisher’s primary goal in this study is to analyze how language proficiency correlates with individual and group identity among different Amish-related demographics. She specifically focuses on the Amish community, setting aside other PD-related groups like nonsectarian communities and Mennonites. Despite the diversity within over 40 Amish affiliations (Kraybill et al., 2013, p. 138), all these groups typically speak a German-derived vernacular alongside English, with Pennsylvania Dutch being the most prevalent mother tongue (Kraybill et al., 2013, p. 122). Her research aims to deepen understanding of how these varied affiliations influence language attitudes and cultural identity.
The Three Core Questions
- How does proficiency in Pennsylvania Dutch relate to personal and collective identity within each subgroup?
- In what ways do spiritual beliefs and generational distance from active Amish membership influence individuals’ identification with Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish culture?
- What are the prevailing attitudes towards language preservation and maintenance among these groups?
Methodology and Participant Profile
To explore these questions, Fisher conducted comprehensive surveys involving 165 respondents. Among these, 40 individuals had direct Amish backgrounds, including 9 current Amish members, 14 former members who previously belonged to Amish congregations but no longer do, and 17 descendants with Amish roots who have not been formally affiliated with any Amish congregation. The survey responses from these 40 individuals constitute the core of her analysis. Of the respondents, 23 were male and 17 female. Notably, all current and former Amish participants reported speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, whereas among the descendants, only 4 out of 17 spoke the language.
Key Findings and Insights
Data visualized in Figure 3 (p. 71) reveals a strong association between speaking Pennsylvania Dutch and cultural identification as Amish among current members. Conversely, former members and descendants are less likely to connect language proficiency with their Amish identity. Interestingly, among those with Amish ancestry who have never been formally part of an Amish church, individuals who consider themselves fluent in Pennsylvania Dutch tend to also see themselves as strongly connected to Amish culture.
Fisher notes a complex pattern: some participants with only fair proficiency still place high importance on communicating in PD, while others with near-fluent skills value speaking the language only moderately. Overall, active Amish members show a stronger tendency to prioritize language maintenance, yet some individuals from other groups also express a vested interest in preserving Pennsylvania Dutch.
Concluding Remarks
Fisher emphasizes that language and identity are intricately linked but not straightforwardly aligned. She states, “This observation aligns closely with the experiences of those who exit the Amish community and integrate into mainstream society. In such cases, shared heritage and cultural ties remain significant, often becoming more consciously appreciated after leaving Amish life.” Her comprehensive analysis concludes that:
“Across the three research questions, distinct group differences emerge. Current Amish members tend to be highly proficient in Pennsylvania Dutch and identify strongly with Amish culture. Former members, also proficient, show a somewhat diminished sense of identification, while descendants generally display lower language proficiency but still maintain a notable connection to Amish identity. The most proficient speakers among descendants also tend to identify most strongly. As generational distance from active Amish life increases, so does the tendency to lessen cultural identification.”
She further reflects on the broader implications: “Pennsylvania Dutch is not solely confined to active Amish speakers. Its role in shaping identity among those affiliated but not formally practicing highlights the multifaceted nature of ethnoreligious identity. Investigations like this deepen our understanding of how language functions as a vital component of social, psychological, and emotional bonds within diverse Amish-related communities. The insights gained contribute to a richer appreciation of how language and culture intertwine within minority communities.”
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