Aside from their original dialect, which hails from Southern Germany and has largely remained the same since it was established in North America centuries ago, the Amish can also speak English and Pennsylvania Dutch. But how much do they use these older languages?
In school and in business, English is the choice language, as it is the most widely spoken language in the U.S., and it is needed to communicate with the outside world. Pennsylvania Dutch is reserved for everyday affairs, a somewhat vernacular for the Amish.
The Darker Side
So far, we’ve seen how restrictive and traditional the Amish community is to the eyes of outsiders, and while there’s no problem with how they choose to spend their days, there is a slight issue for their offspring. The Amish are a small, insular community, with no interaction from the outside world. Thus the dating pool is spectacularly small – and as a result, interbreeding occurs.
The genetic risk factors are nothing short of alarming, particularly when first cousins are having children together. Of course, the Amish are aware of this, and do not purposely want their children to marry their cousins and so forth – but it’s just the consequence of living within such a community.
They Can’t Listen to Music
Aside from the occasional harmonica, the Amish aren’t allowed to play musical instruments, and they can’t listen to any music. Nothing in their home can have popular music.
All singing is usually done at church, using only songs from the Ausbund, which is their Amish church book.
How Good is Your Memory?
We’re only asking this because, if you’re Amish, you’re going to need a great memory! With no such thing as a phone, computer, let alone Instagram account, there’s no real way for the Amish to record their happy moments. Well, at least not on paper or film. Cameras are not utilized, because they are considered modern technology. And they don’t paint, either. So, what do they do to mark an important occasion?
Let’s think about something like the passing of a loved one – surely you need an image to remind you of them from time to time. But actually, it is quite the opposite for the Amish. Having a photo or painting of someone is in fact considered irreverent, and is totally prohibited!
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Church
As we’ve found, the Amish do not believe in building churches. Their take on houses of worship is that God is everywhere – and God lives within people. So in order to initiate a church service, all the Amish need is a gathering of people! Anywhere and everywhere can be a location for an Amish service.
Whether it’s outside in the stables, on the paddock, or inside someone’s humble abode, Amish services are simple. There are no candles, no incense, no altars, no icons, no nothing. It is very bare-bones and about the spirit of the community.