Why is Pennsylvania Dutch important?
Pennsylvania Dutch may not be heard as much today as it was one hundred, or even twenty years ago. It is not true however that the language has no more vitality. In fact, there are those who continue to speak Pennsylvania Dutch in their everyday life. See our Haaptblatt and the article on Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch for Learning Materials. Pennsylvania Dutch was commonly spoken in Berks County, Lehigh County, Northampton County, York County, Lancaster County, Lebanon County, Schuylkill County and elsewhere until recently. However, even today Pennsylvania Dutch can be heard in these places, and, in fact, in quite a few places the number of speakers is even growing. Pennsylvania Dutch is part of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s, the United States’ and Canada’s cultural heritage and it is a heritage that can be enjoyed by those of all ethnic origins. Pennsylvania Dutch culture and language contribute to the multicultural fabric of American and Canadian Society. The Pennsylvania Dutch people and th
