How to Speak Amish

Meeting Amish people is an important step towards learning Amish.

Amish is a language spoken primarily among Amish groups in Pennsylvania. Amish is derived from Pennsylvania German, which is also known as Pennsylvania Dutch (from "Deutsch"). Learning a new language can be an exciting way to broaden your horizons. Amish has many similarities to other Germanic languages, such as English and German. English speakers can learn Amish by harnessing available resources at institutions of higher learning and in print.

Instructions

1. Attend a college with strong resources for Amish learners. Millersville University, Kutztown University and Elizabethtown College, all in Pennsylvania, have centers for the study of the Amish language.

2. Study books that teach Amish grammar and vocabulary. A great place to start would be books such as "A Simple Grammar of Pennsylvania Dutch" by J. William Frey, Brookshire Publications, 1985, and "Introduction to Pennsylvania German" by Elizabeth Wengerd, Millersville University, 1993.

3. Communicate with native Amish speakers to improve Amish speaking ability. Amish speakers can be found in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, which includes Lancaster County. Make sure to learn about the Amish's religious beliefs and culture before meeting them.

References

• Millersville University: Center for PA German Studies
• Kutztown University: he Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center

Resources

• Holy Cross Lutheran Church: Amish FAQ