Kolonie-Deutsch examines the rich cultural and sociolinguistic traditions of Iowa's Amana Colonies. Founded as a communal society in the mid-1800s by German Pietists, the Colonies survive today under a mix of secular governance and church influence. Though the Colonies are open to the outside world, many distinctive vestiges of Amana life survive - including Amana German, or Kolonie-Deutsch.
Drawing upon interviews with some fifty Amana-German speakers, Philip Webber explores the nuances of Kolonie-Deutsch. He focuses on the development, of local microdialects, the changing, patterns in the use of German in the Colonies, and the reciprocal influence of English and German on residents' speech.
The study of language also serves as a point of departure for an inquiry into contemporary life in the Amanas. Webber illuminates the history and unique qualities of each Colony, the residents' attitudes toward language and ethnicity, and the ethos of village life.
Quotes, stories, pictures, and poems from past and present help illustrate the author's conclusions. The result is an informative, engaging study that will be, appreciated by linguists, anthropologists, and historians, as well as by general readers.

About the Author:

Philip E. Webber is Professor of German at Central College in Pella, Iowa, where he currently chairs the Department of German and cochairs the Linguistics program.

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