Learn a few of the words central to the Amish culture.
Rumspringa. A period of time, beginning at sixteen years of age, when young people interact more frequently with their friends on weekends and begin dating.
Ordnung. A German dialect word meaning the rules and regulations of the church.
Buggy. The carriage pulled by horses that the Amish use for transportation.
Bishop. The most senior official; the spiritual head of the congregation. He officiates at baptisms, weddings, communions, confessions, funerals, and members' meetings.
District. Twenty-five to forty families who live in the same local area, also known as the congregation.
English. The Amish people often refer to non-Amish as 'English' because they speak the English language.
Gmay. A German dialect word meaning “community and church” that refers to the congregation.
Uffgevva. A German dialect word meaning “giving up” one’s own will and not challenging or arguing with God or other church members.
Baptism. A religious ceremony that signals the beginning of church membership.
Shunning. A practice of shaming excommunicated members by not eating with them at ceremonial events such as weddings.
Pennsylvania Dutch. The name of the Pennsylvania German dialect that most Amish learn as children before learning English.
