August 2023 Program
Pennsylvania German Language Heritage
Presented by Charles (Chip) Kauffman
For over three hundred years, Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch (Pennsylvania German) contributed to the unique blend of idiom in Pennsylvania and other regions of North America after seeds were planted by German immigrants in the late 17th century. Various dialects of German were brought to Pennsylvania from the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany, from parts of Switzerland, and from the Alsace region of eastern France. Drawing upon the historical and religious origins of the various forms of German brought to the New World, this presentation will focus on the speakers - past and present - of the colorful mix of language popularly called ‘Pennsylvania Dutch.’ Examples will illustrate the differences between standard German and the varieties of Pennsylvania German still spoken today.
About the presenter: Charles “Chip” Kauffman is an adjunct faculty member at York College of Pennsylvania where he teaches languages and language-related courses. Over many years at several colleges in the region, he has taught Italian, German, Russian and other languages. He is a retired certified U.S. Government linguist and author of various articles on languages and linguistics.
Recorded program available here.
Program review by Becky Anstine:
For some people growing up in York County, it was common to hear neighbors and family members speaking Pennsylvania Dutch. As the years have passed, the number of local people who speak this dialect has decreased. Newcomers to the area have found the language to be somewhat of a mystery. Chip’s presentation explained the who, when, where, and how this dialect developed and came to America. Around 300,00 people in 20 states and Ontario, Canada still speak the language. The dialect came from the Palatine area of Germany with influences from the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, and other surrounding areas. Upon arrival of the Anabaptists in Pennsylvania, the dialect became a combination of Reformed German, Palatine dialect, and English. In Pennsylvania, the dialect is spoken in Berks, Lehigh, Northumberland, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, and York counties. The states of Ohio and Indiana also have areas where Dutch is spoken. Anyone who knows German will see the difference between the Pa Dutch spelling and German spelling of some of the words that Chip shared with us.
Pa Dutch expressions Pronunciation English
Guder Daag! GOO-der DAHG Hello, Good Day
Me Naame is ______ MY NAH-meh is _____ My name is ____
Dankaa/Dengki DAHNK-yuh/DENKee Thanks
1-10 eebsm, zqweem, drei, vier, fimf, sex, siwwe, acht, nein, zehe
Other Resources: YouTube “Your Pa Dutch Minute” (Douglas Madenford); Pa Dutch online forum; Amish-heritage.org; and Masthof.com (books on learning to speak Pa Dutch