Literacy is highly valued within Amish communities. Children attend their own schools, typically one-room schoolhouses, and learn to read and write, primarily using Pennsylvania Dutch (a German dialect) and English. Their education focuses on practical skills and religious instruction, generally concluding at the eighth grade. Though proficient in reading, their access to and engagement with literature outside of religious texts and approved instructional materials is limited. This restriction stems from their community’s emphasis on separation from the outside world and the potential influence of external values.
Understanding the Amish approach to literacy and external literature offers valuable insights into their cultural values and practices. Historically, this regulation of reading materials aimed to maintain their distinct identity and protect against perceived negative influences of the broader society. It also reinforces their focus on community, faith, and tradition. This practice contributes to the preservation of their unique way of life in a rapidly changing world.
