Deitsch un English / PA Dutch and English
This poem was written by Ernest G. Gehman (1901–1988), a native Pennsylvania Dutch–speaking Mennonite who was born and raised in Bally, Berks County, PA, was ordained a Mennonite minister, and taught German from 1924 to 1973 at Eastern Mennonite College (today, Eastern Mennonite University) in Harrisonburg, VA. Like much other poetry in PA Dutch, it associates speaking the language with traditional virtues of rural life and faith. English, in contrast, is not cast in a positive light. Even though PA Dutch speakers have always been bilingual, at least to some degree, many observers like Gehman viewed the preference among ethnic PA Dutch for speaking English only as morally problematic.
The laughter heard in the background of this recording suggests that Gehman’s message was not as stern as it might otherwise sound. The comments after he finishes the poem are in line with the view among PA Dutch-speaking sectarians today that bilingualism is a good thing.
This recording is part of a collection of Gehman materials held by the Sadie Hartzler Libary at EMU.
Es macht mich froh,Dass hie un doDie Deitsche als noch babble;Es waer en Schand,Wann in dem LandYuscht Englisch meh deet rabble.
Un s’is so scheeDass Kinner gleeDie Schprooch alsnoch aanemme.Hen sie’s im Blut,Dann guckt’s net gut,Wann sie sich driwwer schemme.
Die Englisch-KeppSin aarme Drepp;Sie mache em der Leede.Sie sin net gscheit,Wie deitsche Leit,In Bauere un Bede.
Ich hab schun gheert as wann mer Deitsch un English hot, kammer weit um die Welt rumkumme.
Weescht du, ich glaab as sell recht is.
Ferwas waer’s net?
Ich wees net.
It makes me happyThat here and therePeople still speak PA Dutch;It would be a disgraceIf in this countryOnly English would be spoken.
And it is so niceThat small childrenStill acquire the language.If they have it in their blood,Then it doesn’t look goodIf they are ashamed of it.
English speakersAre poor wretches;They make you sick.They’re not as cleverAs Dutch folksIn farming and praying.
I’ve heard that if you have PA Dutch/German, you can get far around the world.
You know, I think that’s right.
Why wouldn’t it be?
I don’t know.