What language do Old Order Amish speak?

Pennsylvania Dutch
Pennsylvania Dutch is the language used by the Amish population here in Lancaster County. It is considered to be their first and native language. The Amish learn to read, write and speak in English, allowing them to communicate with the ‘outside world’.

Are Amish Dutch or German?

While most Amish and Old Order Mennonites are of Swiss ancestry, nearly all speak Pennsylvania Dutch, an American language that developed in rural areas of southeastern and central Pennsylvania during the 18th century.

Do the Amish speak German?

You may know that Pennsylvania German, also known as Pennsylvania Dutch (PD), is the primary language of most Amish and conservative Mennonite communities living in the United States today.

Are Amish inbreds?

The Amish and Mennonite populations represent outstanding communities for the study of genetic disease for a number of reasons. There is a high degree of inbreeding, resulting in a high frequency of recessive disorders, many of which are seen rarely or are unknown outside of this population.

Why do Amish shave their upper lip?

In order to separate themselves physically from those who would engage in military service (while letting the world know they were married, because the Amish don’t exchange wedding rings), they decided to grow beards but shave their lips.

Do Amish brush teeth?

The Amish of southwestern Michigan live quiet lives in rural seclusion, yet they are rebels. They are fond of desserts and jams. They do not brush their teeth every day, and most do not floss. Yet, their children have half as many cavities as other U.S. children and they suffer less gum disease.

What is the average lifespan of an Amish person?

People with the mutation live to be 85 on average, significantly longer than their predicted average lifespan of 71 for Amish in general, which hasn’t changed much over the last century.