The Pennsylvania Dutch language, often called “Deitsch” by its speakers, is a complex linguistic and cultural relationship rooted in German-speaking immigration to North America. While the language originated with a broader population of German settlers, its survival today is largely tied to specific segments of the Anabaptist faith. This unique dialect is maintained as a marker of identity and tradition, ensuring its continued use within tightly knit communities across the United States and Canada.
Which Mennonite Groups Use Pennsylvania Dutch
The active use of Pennsylvania Dutch among Mennonites is concentrated almost exclusively within the most traditional segments of the faith, often referred to as the “Plain people.” The majority of speakers belong to the Old Order Mennonite groups, particularly those who use horse-drawn buggies for transportation. These communities prioritize tradition and separation from the modern world, making the language a central part of their daily life and communal identity.
In contrast, more modern or mainstream Mennonite conferences, such as those who use cars and are integrated into broader society, have largely transitioned to using English. This shift occurred over the last century as these groups engaged in more outreach and experienced greater mobility. Among the car-driving Anabaptist groups, only a few conservative fellowships, like the Beachy Amish Mennonites, have preserved the dialect alongside English. For the Old Order groups, the language is generally acquired as the first language in the home and passed down to children, ensuring its robustness today.
The Linguistic Roots of Pennsylvania Dutch
Pennsylvania Dutch is a distinct North American language that evolved from German dialects brought to Pennsylvania by 17th and 18th-century immigrants. It is classified by linguists as a variety of West Central German, specifically belonging to the Rhine Franconian dialect group. The language is most closely related to Palatine German, since the majority of the original German-speaking settlers originated from the Palatinate region of Germany.
This dialect is not a corrupted form of Standard German, nor is it related to the Dutch language spoken in the Netherlands, despite the common use of the term “Dutch.” The name is a historical remnant, likely originating from the English word “Dutch,” which is an anglicization of the German word “Deutsch” (meaning German). Since its formation in the colonies, Pennsylvania Dutch has incorporated a notable influence from American English. This is most evident in the vocabulary, where an estimated 15 to 20 percent of words are English-derived.
Cultural Significance and Usage
For the traditional Mennonite groups, preserving Pennsylvania Dutch serves a significant function as a cultural boundary marker. Speaking the language reinforces community cohesion and represents a resistance to the outside, secular world. This linguistic separation is deeply intertwined with their commitment to a traditional lifestyle.
The language operates within a system of functional bilingualism, where different languages are designated for specific domains of life. Pennsylvania Dutch is the Hawaiian, or “house language,” used for all daily communication, conversations between neighbors, and within the family structure. English is reserved for necessary external interactions, such as commerce and formal education beyond the parochial school level. High German, a separate variety of German, is also used by some groups, but its function is strictly limited to religious contexts, such as reading the Luther Bible translation, singing hymns, and formal sermons.