My understanding is that Pennsylvania Dutch refers to those German-speaking immigrants to Pennsylvania who came in the 18th Century and their descendants. "Dutch" in former English usage meant "German." My father who was born in 1915 in Indiana couldn't talk plain as a small child, i. e. he was "dutchy." He always went by the nickname Dutch and signed his name W.H. "Dutch" Kreisher. Everybody in Frankfort, Indiana, understood what it meant. Our schools don't do a very good job of teaching us English and I believe that is why so many people are confused and believe that "Dutch" only refers to the Netherlands and the northern part of Belgium. I am proud to call myself a Pennsylvania Dutchman even if it's not 100% accurate as I am the 5th generation since Reading, Berks County. Ken Kreisher ---------- : From: Cheri McElroy <cmcelroy@mexia.com> : To: PENNA-DUTCH-L@rootsweb.com : Subject: Penna-Dutch meaning : Date: Thursday, September 04, 1997 07:46 : : Hi, : : I hope I don't sound ignorant, but can someone define : "Pennasylvania-Dutch" for me? Are the customs and names of the P-D : derived from Germany, or Holland, or a bit of both? : : Thank you, : Cheri Lee McElroy : cmcelroy@mexia.com : http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/2840 :