1. True or false?

The Amish population in Lancaster county is constantly decreasing.
Because the Amish do not use machines their farming is not very productive.
Amish people don’t like it when tourists take pictures of them.
Every second week the Amish hold worship services in one of the member’s homes.
The most important things for Amish people are their families and their farms.
All the different groups of the Amish people in Lancaster county refuse to use electricity.
Amish children attend their own schools for eight years

2.Questions “Country Life – The Amish people and their lifestyle”

Where do the Amish people live?

Can you describe the Amish lifestyle in a few sentences?

Why do they live such a restricted life?

Do you think our modern society can learn something from the Amish way of life?

What would that be?

Imagine living in a society like the Amish society –

What would you miss?

What would be the advantages?

Life without electricity – what problems would come up?

Some people decide to live as a breakaway (Aussteiger) from our society.

Do you know anybody who did that?

How does he/she live?

What are the reasons for people to live as a breakaway?

3) Vocabulary – find synonyms or explain the words

to do something by choice / our fast-paced society / to permit something
to restrict something / to maintain a lifestyle / to provide easy access
the curiosity / to give their skills / the devotion to family

4. Read the “Amish frequently asked questions” and sum up every answer in one sentence!

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Amish Frequently Asked Questions

1) "Can an outsider join the Amish church/community?"

"A local Amishman recently remarked, "You do not need to move here to adopt a lifestyle of simplicity. You can begin wherever you are." Yes, it is possible for outsiders, through conversion and convincement, to join the Amish community, but we must quickly add that it seldom happens. First, the Amish do not evangelize and seek to add outsiders to their church. Second, outsiders would need to live among the Amish and demonstrate a genuine conversion experience and faith that results in a changed lifestyle. Third, it is extremely difficult for anyone who has not been raised without electricity, automobiles, and other modern conveniences to adjust to the austere lifestyle of the Amish. And to truly be a part of the Amish community one would need to learn the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect."

2) "Is the Amish calendar the same as ours?"

"The Amish use the same yearly calendar that you use. We might add that November is the month for weddings - spring, summer, and fall months there is too much work to be done and in the winter there's the risk of unfavourable weather. Also, Tuesdays and Thursdays are the days for weddings - these are the least busy days of the week."

3) "I think some of my ancestors might have been Amish. How can I find out?"

"The best source of that kind of information would be the Mennonite Historical Society, which maintains an extensive genealogical library. Their address is 2215 Millstream Road, Lancaster, PA17602. Telephone: (717)393-9745."

4) "How true was the portrayal of the Amish in the movie "Witness," starring Harrison Ford?"

"The movie, "Witness," portrayed Amish lifestyle fairly accurately in what was shown, but it portrayed a very limited segment of Amish lifestyle. The Amish people have had a lot of reservations about "Witness." The plot seemed to be inconsistent with the lifestyle and culture of the Amish. It was filmed in the geographical area of the Amish, but not on an Amish farm. The actors and actresses in the movie were not Amish."