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Vass Is Deitsch?

Deitsch (pronounced diech) or Deitsh (Ohio spelling) is a German dialect still spoken in parts of Alsace, in France, and in some German states, as well as Pennsylvania, Ohio. Indiana, Ontario and other states and provinces in North America. While it is the mother tongue of many conservative groups of Amish and Mennonites, (the "Plain" Deitsche), many others still know and use it. In fact, in Pennsylvania, the "Fancy" Deitsche, (Lutherans, Reformed and others of non-Mennonite persuasion) maintain an interest in the language through research at universities, ets., and Grundsow (Grounshog) Lodges, in which the language is used in meetings. Members are fined if they use English when a Deitsch word is known.

In the USA, it is called Pennsylvania Dutch, and in Ontario, it is called PA Dutch by some. It is also referred to as low German by some who regard it as an inferior kind of German, but it is a distinct language, and real students of the language resent the term "low". However, there is a Low German language, spoken by a group, often referred to as Russian Mennonites whose language originated in the northern Lowlands of Germany. It is not a low or inferior language either, but Deitsch is not Low German.

Deitsche (pronounced die-chee) is the name given to those who speak Dietsch. Often referred to as the Pennsylvania Dutch, they trace their roots back to settlers who came to the USA and Canada from Europe. In Ontario, the majority of Mennonites trace their ancestry directly back to Pennsylvania, while the Amish, Catholics and Lutherans who still know the language, trace their ancestry directly back to Europe, especially Alsace-Lorraine. In Ontario, only the most conservative groups continue to use it in their homes so many young people are not taught the language any more.

Two great historical events, that caused Deutsch (pronounced doych) to overshadow Deitsch, occurred in Europe years ago. When Luther translated the Bible into German, he used Deutsch as the language of choice. The unification of the many states and duchies into modern day Germany was led by those who spoke Deutsch. There are still areas in France and Germany where Deitsch is still spoken and many visitors from Waterloo County have easily converted with the Deitsche there. Until the late 1800’s, the language was unwritten, but many efforts to refine spelling, pronunciation, syntax and grammar are being made. In the 1960’s, an orthography was developed. In 1993, in Ohio, a committee consisting of both Old and New Order Amish worked under the auspices of the Wycliffe Bible Translators and completed and printed the New Testament in Deitsch. It is estimated that over 200,000 speak Deitsch, with many claiming it as their first language. Until now, the New Testament was available to them only in Standard German or English.

There is dialect variation among the many groups in the States and Ontario., Even in Wellesley Township there are variations. In spite of the differences, however, the various "tongues" are mutually understandable.