European Origins
The ancestors of Pennsylvania German speakers came from various parts of the southwest corner of the German-speaking region of Europe, including the Electorate of the Palatinate, the Duchy of Baden (Badenland), Swabia, Württemberg, Alsace (German Elsass), and Switzerland. Many spoke West Middle German dialects and Alemannic dialects, and in the first generations after the settlers arrived it is believed that these dialects merged.
Read more about this topic: Pennsylvania German Language
Famous quotes containing the words european and/or origins:
“If Germany, thanks to Hitler and his successors, were to enslave the European nations and destroy most of the treasures of their past, future historians would certainly pronounce that she had civilized Europe.”
—Simone Weil (1909–1943)
“The origins of clothing are not practical. They are mystical and erotic. The primitive man in the wolf-pelt was not keeping dry; he was saying: “Look what I killed. Aren’t I the best?””
—Katharine Hamnett (b. 1948)