Amish

The Amish are a denomination of Anabaptists and noted for their restrictions on the use of modern devices such as automobiles and electricity. The Amish are a tight-knit cultural and ethnic group, descending from predominately Swiss German immigrants. Most Amish speak at home a distinctive High German dialect (Deitsch or "Pennsylvania Dutch)", although the so-called "Swiss Amish" speak an Alemannic dialect which they call "Swiss". Note that the Amish are just one group of the "Pennsylvania Dutch," who are generally of German descent; the word "Dutch" being an archaism. Finally, more "progressive" Beachy Amish, especially those who were born roughly after 1960 tend to speak predominately in English at home.

Status

The Amish reside in close-knit communities in 22 states of the United States as well as Ontario, Canada. The largest concentrations of Amish in the United States are in Holmes County, Ohio and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. By state, the largest Amish population is in Ohio, and the second largest in Pennsylvania. There are an estimated 228,000 Amish in the United States in all groups, and another 1500 in Ontario, Canada. Some Beachy Amish have relocated to Central America in an attempt to remove themselves from the influences of modern society, including a sizable settlement near San Ignacio, Belize.

Related Topics:
United States - Ontario, Canada - Holmes County, Ohio - Lancaster County, Pennsylvania - Belize

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The strictest Amish groups are the Nebraska Amish, Troyer Amish and the Swartzendruber Amish groups. The language used in all Old Order Amish homes and in many Beachy Amish homes is Pennsylvania German (or "Pennsylvania Dutch"). English is used with the outside world.

Related Topics:
Nebraska Amish - Troyer Amish - Swartzendruber Amish - Old Order Amish - Beachy Amish - Pennsylvania German

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Amish that leave the old ways often remain near their community, and in general, there are levels of progression from strict Amish gradually to more liberal groups (usually Mennonite).

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