The phonology of Pennsylvania German English as evidence of language maintenance and shift. By Achim Kopp. Selinsgrove: Susquehanna University Press; London: Associated University Presses, 1999. Pp. 345. Hardcover. $45.00.

Abstract

This book assesses the phonological features of Pennsylvania German English (PGE) and the social factors that give rise to the creation of this variety. The topic has been secondary in the study of Pennsylvania German speakers until now, and for this reason the volume deserves special notice. The study deals with two groups of speakers of Pennsylvania German (PG): the sectarians (i.e., Amish and Mennonites) and the nonsectarians. Paradoxically, although the sectarians are more isolated from mainstream society, their English has fewer features of interference from PG; the nonsectarians, who are integrated into the English mainstream, exhibit more features of interference from PG in their spoken English. The other half of the Pennsylvania German paradox is that the nonsectarians also have fewer convergence features in their PG. As Kopp discusses in his final chapter, the explanations for these two halves of the paradox can be found in the unique aspects of the features of language use and language attitudes found within each group.