My husband rides his bicycle frequently through the Amish community near our home. The Amish always wave as a greeting but never call out "hello." My husband feels they are more comfortable with the "silence" of nonverbal communication.
As I am approaching my fourth year of being an Amish driver I can relate to what you are saying. I have noticed some of my riders can spend most of the drive without a single word till they ask me what my charge is. I've had riders that started out as very quiet but as they come to know me better they are much better at talking with me about a wide verity of subjects. I am very knowledgeable when it comes to current events and some will pick my brain for news about the world. I have actually been reminded some times that certain subjects go against what they believe in such as how the Earth was created and other things. In my 70 plus years I have never had a better group of loyal friends'. I had a small Heart attack recently and two of the Men I drive sent two of their older sons to my house and brought in enough wood and pellets to get us through my recovery time and refused any payment for doing so.
I think driving the Amish would be a great learning experience and in your case sounds like you made some great friends who truly care about you. Thanks for sharing this.
I was in Ohio looking for an aircraft salvage company (Mennonite owned), I had to ask directions in I think it was Appleton. An Amish-man overheard me ask a lady ,who wasn't helpful. He walked across the road and helped me out. I thought he was very polite and helpful.
Can confirm the one-word requests at the dinner table! It was disconcerting at first, but now I mumble "buttah" or "kaes" (cheese) just like everyone else. Not cleaning your plate by eating every scrap of food is considered very rude by the Amish, though. Partly because they see it as wasteful and partly to make cleanup easier, since they wash dishes by hand.
I worked at a china and gift store and we had a lot of the younger ones who were getting married and would come in and pick there china dishes out and they were always polite and appreciated our help. They always said thank you before they left. However some of the older ones were short (not rude) but to the point and no more. We always looked forward to them coming in. It was a joy to wait on them. I’m from PA.
Interesting! I’m no longer Amish but when I was a part of the culture I used to speak at several local colleges about once a year. One of the topics was titled "Are the Amish Rude?" Funny story - my Amish ministers and friends were curious about what I had to say about Amish being rude. In a discussion one Sunday after lunch I mentioned that Amish often abruptly end a conversation simply by walking away. My friends all laughed and within the next 5 minutes two of the people in the conversation demonstrated that very thing. For those still in the conversation it suddenly became real to them. I have never heard the thought that Amish may have cut words of etiquette from their speech in order to be "plain". My assumption has been that what appears to be rudeness is a German peasant brusqueness that has minimally interacted with people different from themselves. There is the thing though that with my families really conservative members, that when an Amishman uses "good manners" he’s just putting on airs. It’s definitely true that manners seem to improve with groups that are less traditional or agrarian.
I'm an Englishman, living in rural Ireland for over 20 years. I used to use way too many words when talking to my neighbours. I would say- "Good morning Pat. It's really cold this morning isn't it?" These days it's like this- "Pat. Tiz hardy enough!" Also, everyone down in the village when meeting asks "How are ye?" but it's not a question and the correct response is to say the same thing back.
Lived and continue to visit rural PA town with many Amish. I’ve never perceived them as rude in my interactions to purchase quilts and wood furniture. I admire them and have a lot to learn from their culture. God bless the Amish!
Our local Amish community is Swiss (their term) and leans more toward Schwartzentruber culture. I have two different ways of interacting with the families. Those folks I’ve known and worked with my whole life are family to me. We are very open and “chatty” across generations. Those folks I don’t know as well are more reserved and so I follow their lead. Their level of comfort with English varies and I think that is a factor in the ease of communication. I also have learned not to address the lady of the house directly unless she addresses me. I try to be conscious of social norms they prefer to hold so I’m not rude or unwittingly creating discomfort for my Amish neighbors. I’ve really enjoyed your channel, and my Amish friends enjoy watching and chatting about the videos you create.
Great observations and sounds like you've figured out the right approach. When I first was spending time in the Swiss Amish community at Allen County, Indiana, I had a tough time connecting with people, though that eventually changed. I think the Swiss groups tend to be more reserved around outsiders. Very happy to hear your Amish friends enjoy the vids and give them a hello from me!
I always enjoy your videos and your perspective on the Amish. I have been fortunate enough to have been exposed to many cultures around the world. That experience has taught me to remind myself that I need to be careful not to map my own cultural expectations onto other cultures. What appears to us as rude or a lack of manners is a function of our cultural expectation. Putting the shoe on the other foot, we can appear rude to people of other cultures unless we are sensitive to their expectations.
I think your explanations are spot on and applicable to other conservative, plain groups. I work with Old German Baptist Brethren all the time and they are very “functional,” not just in speech but in everything. They are very “chatty” in relationships, but small talk seems to serve no purpose/function, so they just don’t.
I grew up Amish, left the religion sixteen years ago. I cringe often after someone asks how I’m doing, I usually respond, but in my hustle bustle, I forget to ask how they’re doing.
Kind of reminds me of jokes about Germans, their seriousness and lack of sense of humor. My Mennonite Grandfather used to hate using the phone, and would answer angrily. He would not say goodbye either, just hang up. It was awkward but I realized he's not trying to be rude just didn't like the phone. I've inherited some of this seriousness so can laugh at how weird it can seem.
Yeah I seen this happen with my older relatives. I mean really older relatives and i'm fifty three. So i'm probably talking about the one set passed away twenty seven years ago. Is not just them it's in the pennsylvania dutch Area. But that's the story for another time.
@@flyacow Some people call it superstition but I think it's more about keeping life simple. Have you heard Edward Snowden talk about how cell phones can spy on people? Seal Team 6 talks about how they can still listen without the phone battery Shawn Ryan Clips. Pretty scary stuff...
Most of the interactions I've had with the Amish have been at auctions, mud sales or the Amish market. I don't recall ever feeling they were rude, but I definitely thought they didn't like small talk. I assumed it was because I was English or if I was speaking to a man, it was that I was a woman. If I was speaking to a woman, they seemed very shy, but not rude. However, amongst themselves, they were social and friendly.
It's true that Amish women can be more reserved in public, especially among non-Amish. I also feel it sometimes when I go into an Amish store in a plainer or more off the beaten path community.
Another great video ! My wife & I have found that Amish shop owners in the Shipshewana , In. area have been very friendly & talkative. Often asking about OUR way of life ! We have shared recipes & tips on canning & smoking foods , as well as on trips to other places. The best interaction was w/ an Amish woman in a woodworking shop in Shipsee about her & our separate trips to Alaska & Salmon fishing & how we preserved our catch ! We shop at an Amish discount grocery store every few months in Centreville, Mich. , & while the young ladies that work in the store are cordial, they are not willing to to be openly friendly & carry on a conversation. They also don't laugh at my( "dad jokes) ! Still love going there though .
I agree with your general assessment of Amish speaking. My husband and I live in mid Michigan and all the Amish we know are very friendly. Their speech patterns are different, some may interpret it as rude but I think more direct. It is just their way. I’m so glad to know so many as I believe they are hard working good people.
I am from Southern Ohio and grew up in Scioto county. In Adams county (west of Scioto) is the Wheatridge community of Amish. They have a furniture store, bakery and discount grocery. They are New Order and have always been friendly. I often visit these businesses when I am in the area. The cashier always saids hello and saids how are you today? They say thank you after ringing my purchases. I think you are right about Amish business people maybe adjusting due to interacting with the english but I do think that they are being genuine and not just doing it because we expect it.
I live in an Amish and Mennonite area in west central Missouri. When horse and buggys are on the highways the drivers, without fail, wave at every car they meet. In the limited business interactions I've had with them, they do say thank you.
Hi Erik. My Grandmother was Swiss German from Baltimore Maryland. I've never met any Amish who were rude. They were always polite and I always enjoyed conversations with them. I love your channel. Great work!! God Bless you and your family and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Even though i was brought up by an adopted Amish mother and taught her ways but now live an "English" lifestyle out of necessity, i understand the reasons of keeping the English/Worldly influences away in order to preserve Amish "Purity". But what bothers me is the almost Hatred with some ultra strict communities against other Christians. Even when those Amish in question know they are dealing with a known fellow believer in Christ, they still tend to treat us as Heathens with an almost arrogance against us as though we aren't worthy of being in their presence or their beliefs in Christ are superior. At a Time in Human history where we all must bond together for survival against evil and for the common good, they still endeavor to drive a even wider wedge between us instead of strengthening our common love for our Lord. If someone can shed some light on that aspect, please feel free to comment here. At 64 years of age i am respected as an elder in my community and to a small degree respected in the Amish community only if i have a fistful of dollars. That bothers me also with an almost double standard. If we are so evil and money being the heart of all evil, why then is our money suddenly acceptably pure enough for them to cross over that invisible fence of Worldliness.
I live on a farm close to Amish/Mennonite neighbors. I make an effort to be a courteous neighbor. They can not exist without the outside world. The 1700's are long gone. Its like my kids playing cowboys and Indians. They have the same desire to make money as anyone else. And they can be very unethical in business dealings. I do business with them and keep both eyes and ears open. #1 rule never let them know how much you know or that you are watching out for a hidden motive. Keep your personal business to yourself. I will never cheat a man in a deal myself, but Amish are full of surprises. Amish do not see you as a friend, you are someone they can cultivate as a resource for the right time. It is what it is. They are especially friendly to the owners of large tracts of land. Hint, hint.
Interesting topic:)…..in my experience living in Berks County for over 30 yrs…… they’re friendly, very SINCERE, above all…uncomplicated and refreshing:)
My family's been in Lancaster County for 300 years, while I'm not Amish I do have some of their traits. I attribute their so-called shortness of rudeness to an agrarian lifestyle. There's no time for pleasantries when the pigs are loose. I also grew up in a large family and recall hearing "If you don't have anything to say don't say anything at all".
We build diesel generators and sell a fair amount to the Amish. I find the Amish refreshing and honest.....hard working and responsible. Of course not all are the same but more so than the English. I was born in Germany.........but I am not Amish, I do not believe in one "God". Other than that I could be Amish, easy. I like how they live and they are some of the most transparent compassionate people I have had the honor to meet.
I have worked with Amish quite a bit. I quickly realized they do this thing where they try to use as few words as possible. Ill never forget the first time I saw this play out. I was with a construction crew talking to the foreman. A load of material arrived. The foreman looked at one of the men there eyes met and then he looked at the delivery truck. The guy went over and started unloading to truck. The foreman then looked at another guy, the same thing played out. No words but is was clear he wanted them to unload the truck. I began to understand they used as few words as possible. We we were done discussing something they would just turn and walk away. Not rude just efficient
I can only speak for myself I've never run into this just this week play Lady by the name of Leah has an Amish store about a mile from me and she's a good friend and I took her a Hanukkah gift and she wished me Merry Christmas. I've gotten Christmas cards from Amish when I wasn't showing up at the store on a normal basis they were actually worried about me they told me this and that they pray that I'm okay. With all the Amish I got with throughout my life I can honestly say that I have never run into the issue of anyone being rude. And with that being said this being the last night of Hanukkah I'd like to wish you a happy Hanukkah and a merry Christmas and I pray that the Miracles and the blessings of both of our holidays brings peace and blessing to you and yours.
I sometimes work with Amish families in their homes to provide services for their children who have disabilities. They have always been friendly and hospitable and have not been curt or "impolite". I enjoy spending time with them. They are no-nonsense, though, and want to get things done. I can appreciate that.
I live near a local Amish settlement and frequently do business with them and have hired Amish contractors. No, I don't think the Amish I've come in contact with are rude at all. Plain culture = plain speaking, in my book. In fact, I really enjoy our conversations, because my Amish friends and acquaintances tend to notice details and nuances that others more accustomed to staring at a screen would easily miss. They are more attuned to each other and their world in a way that we non-Amish could do well to get back to. The roofers I hired were amazing to my (now late) 96-year-old dad, who I took care of at home. When he found out that their technique was the same as how our barn roof was done in the 1930s, that was all the official stamp of approval I needed to hire them. They wanted to visit with him on their breaks, and really picked his brain about what farming was like when he was young. Even brought him a straw hat made in their community. I'm a single non-Amish woman n a rural area, and I tend to be quite busy with many different things out of daily life necessity. Would some people consider me "rude" because I tend to keep conversations short because I have a lot to do? Probably. But I think in non-Amish American culture we are way too sensitive in general, and blunt, frank, honest speech can be unnecessarily perceived as rude or unkind. You made some really thought-provoking points in this video, Erik - especially the Amish perhaps being more comfortable with silence, which could be perceived as a lack of manners. Never would I have ever considered that. But then, I'm a person who appreciates comfortable silence in my connections with people.
How are you doing mr Erik . Thank you for your wonderful cultural channel about Amish people. They are very strange people as read . Amish are private people who avoid as much contact with strangers ( outside people) . As possible for important religious and cultural reasons . When visiting their community we must be keep following basic rules , don’t stare or gawk , otherwise be disrespectful of Amish . It’s polite to speak to male if possible. Happy new year, merry Merry Christmas. Iam Arabic lady subscriber to several British and American TH-cam channels. Good luck to you your dearest ones .
Hello Erik. I don't think the Amish are rude because everyone and every caulture are raised differently. All of my experiences with the Amish have been good. Not a bad experience at all.
We live amongst the Amish in southern Lancaster county. They always wave when they go by or when you pass them but seldom stop to visit. We have come to the conclusion that we will never be true “friends” just neighbors. Amish businessmen do not seem to want to deal with me but would rather deal with my husband. We were parked next to an Amish transport van yesterday and the young Amish woman opened the door and hit our mirror, she never said a word of apology, just proceeded to the store.
I’m so glad you mentioned Amish people just walking away when a conversation is finished. That happened to me while speaking to an Amish woman; she just finished her sentence, then turned and walked off, didn’t say goodbye. I was so worried I unknowingly had said something insulting or upsetting to her. I feel so much better now.
Another great video ! I do find the Amish just more quiet! Reserved with any small talk but not rude. It seems they just don’t ramble on in conversation. So its been hit or miss with some saying thank you where others do not. Your video made me think! Keep them coming please!
Thanks Susan, yes I have been around some very polite Amish people but definitely some more curt and abrupt as I think it's said in the video. I think it can vary by community too. Glad the video was food for thought!
I reckon this is the way they communicate with each other (which they do a lot of) and so it carries over when communicating with outsiders (which they do much less of). Words like thank you may be used very much in one culture and much less in another. For example, it's used less in Korea than the US. But they use different expressions, for example _sugohaseyo_ (keep working hard / keep up the good effort) used with a shop worker or a subordinate co-worker. Basically it's 'I recognise your effort and appreciate you served me well'. So, you're in Korea, you've learned the word for thank you (gomapsumnida or gamsahamnida), and at the shop you notice that the Korea customers don't use it. They're saying something else.
Very interesting Erik, I have never met any Amish and I have assumed they would be more polite than the rest of us now I know better. Anywho thank you for sharing always enjoy your videos entertaining and informative
Well I would say some of them are very polite, it's just that certain communication styles seen among Amish contrast with the more typical American communication, and so some leave off the "niceties" that a lot of us are accustomed to. Glad you liked the vid!
I think that when dealing with a different culture (whatever it is) your culture isn't "right," it just is, as is theirs and shouldn't be judged by your culture.
Before you said it, I was wondering if it was their cultural (German/European) background influencing behavior even today. I'm a 1st generation American, and I've noticed that I tend to be a lot more direct than most Americans since my parents are that way (Hungarian), so that's how I grew up.
There was a vegetable stand that was ran by two teenage sisters. They were always no ma’am/sir, yes ma’am/sir, thank you and have a good day with lots of smiling, The one time I went there their mother on the other hand was more too the point and the standard Amish in this video. So it may be a generational thing or an age thing. When I was working at a visitor center in PA the tourists from German speaking countries often came in with completely different stories on how hospitable the Amish were from offering free food, discounts on quilts, got tours of their farms, ect…so it may be a language thing as well.
Not having much experience with Amish, one thing I'm curious about in this area is the physical separation of Amish people in a conversation vs.English? I mention this as having lived and worked in Austria, people in a conversation typically stand closer together than Americans do. Another great video, Merry Christmas to you and your family!
I personally have never interacted with the Amish in person (I live in Utah and rarely venture outside the state), but I have bought genuine Amish-made products before from a small store called Apple Creek Bulk Food Co in Willard, UT, so we have had some sort of impact on each other's lives. I am fascinated by the Amish and, as a fully devoted Christian who attempts to be in the world but not of the world, I do see that principle differently than they do, but can understand where they're coming from and hold a deep respect for them!
I get in trouble for being like this. My grandpa was a man of little words. When he spoke, it was straight forward, no beating around the (proverbial) bush. Some folks were shocked or offended by his ways. When ever a natural thing happened (belched, etc...) never apologized. One time when he was questioned about it; he says; "Why it's a natural function within our bodies why should I apologize for something that happens naturally." I guess his plain and simple ways rubbed off on me. One time I was told that I was just like a doctor who had poor bedside manners being blunt and to the point. I am trying to be more polite in my older years. There just happens to be some things that are hard to change when there doesn't seem to be a reason. YES! I'M WHAT THE AMISH CALL ENGLISH. Never grew up near any Amish or Mennonites. Even though I think it would have been very interesting growing up with them as neighbors.
I think the niceties and small talk is the result of a very individualistic community. Foreigners are stunned by how friendly Americans are without being friends. For the Amish, they live as a community so such niceties are redundant.
My Norwegian (first generation American, but their parents immigrated from Norway) grandparents would ask for the catsup by merely saying catsup? as a question. They were from massive families (grandfather was 12th of twelve children), so maybe that had something to do with it. The Amish I deal with in our area (SW Wisconsin) are not polite, but that's never bothered me, it's just the way they are.
I'm not Amish and have never really interacted with any Amish, unless you count the single time I sat in a train station waiting room to see my son off late one night, with an Amish family also in the waiting room. They spoke German, but I'm sure they all were fluent in English because they were able to communicate with the ticket seller without a problem. Being that they were together as a family, it would have been rude of me to inject myself into their interactions, which is poor manners in non-Amish culture, too. But my grandmother was of German parentage, her father having emigrated from Germany in 1880, and her mother having been born to German immigrants in Detroit, so I guess those great-great-grandparents of mine must have emigrated from Germany circa 1860. At that time, German culture and language were retained by the following generations. They didn't give up the language until the First World War. My grandma grew up speaking German, and she taught my French-Canadian grandpa (himself the son of an immigrant from Canada), but they never taught their kids the language. But I definitely grew up bi-cultural, because my mother's family is all Irish and very outgoing, whereas my Dad's family are quite reserved, comfortable with silence, and when they do speak, they speak directly. All but three of the siblings are still alive in Dad's family, but I still see some of those characteristics in my cousins. I think I actually picked up more on that trait than on my mother's family's traits, because my Mom will still comment that I'm being rude, or at least insinuate it. And I don't care 😂 She's just being Irish 😂
I have been following your website which I like but I was missing the videos that would pop up. I’m so glad to see you on TH-cam. You’re just one of my favorite channels. The Amish may not appear polite but you seem to have impeccable manners you must be because your southern border. Coming from the north people are in my sport brusque up here. If you don’t post again I want to wish you a merry Christmas.
I grew up in a plain (Brethren) church. My widowed mother married a Mennonite. They all spoke Pennsylvania Dutch even though they weren't "old order". I find the Amish to be friendlier and MUCH LESS judgemental than either than those people!
I have worked in these communities for several years. Yet, I am no expert. I delivered truck goods and also worked as an electrician. These people were polite and respectful to me as a worker. Sometimes, a little out of bounds like the time an Amish man ask me if I needed advice wiring a lamp fixture. It seems to me the Mennonites are a little more friendly.
They are not rude; they get to the point without a lot of unnecessary conversation. People don't understand that the Amish have a living to make and every minute counts.
I've been interacting with Amish for decades, and they have always identified themselves when they call. When it comes to conversation, they usually talk my ear off. When you mention rude, I have never seen that, and I know rude, I live in the NYC area.
I've always found most Amish folks to be at least tolerably polite; I never recall anyone's neglecting their "please and thank you" manners. But then I didn't usually interact with them that much, so maybe in some cases I just never happened to encounter occasions where they would need to respond to me like that.
Is that the windmill here? Is Morgan town Pennsylvania? I saw for a few seconds in a video right outside Berks County in Lancaster County. I'm just asking yeah the rudeness. I come from a Menonite family it takes some getting used, lol.
I have had Amish friends for 40 yrs, in the beginning, on first meeting, it was pretty much one work answers, until. Wr hit on a mutual interest subject. Then it was more of a normal conversation. Over the years. I would see this as a bystander to conversations with an unfamiliar person and my friends. Those one word answers..another thing, I was told they could talk faster when talking in Dutch. Les words used to get the point across.
As a German expat I assume the Amish aren’t rude just German, a lot of Americans perceive the way Germans communicate as rude or brusque (hope I used that word correctly.)
Nice insight and I think it is a more direct speaking style but coupled with that many Germans I have given the impression of being quite warm and even outgoing. Maybe that reflects mainly meeting people when they're on vacation, but fwiw :)
This makes sense. The Germans are more rigid of a people, whereas the folks of the British isles are generally more polite… at least the people I spent time with over there… those were some good lads!
Grandad got into a bad accident and ended up in a body cast for a while, just as his tobacco crop was about ready. His Amish neighbors came over and cut , dried the tobacco in the barn , and then took it to market. They brought him the money and wouldn't take a cent . Meanwhile, nobody from his own church was to be seen . Love and respect for the Amish.
I have worked with amish in a commercial kitchen. When I started I was with a good group that overlooked the fact that I was English. But over the years as new generations of girls come in to work it has been a steady decline. The ones I currently am with are most generally rude and inconsiderate. It is just getting close to where I am ready to give up a good paying job that I have had for 24 years because I can't deal with being punished for being non amish. Not to mention how much people are buffaloed by them thinking they are hardworking. Not these ones some of the laziest . Not to say all are like that because there is good ones just not where I am.
How we Austrian Americans think: If someone has to ask for ketchup and it is sitting in front of you, you are the one who is rude. You should have passed it around the table and you didn’t! If I have to ask for ketchup twice, you will know that I am getting upset. Wake up, pay attention, pass the ketchup, time for eating, less talking, more food. I love the Amish, God bless them! 😁
I see a lot of Amish in Lancaster and in Upper Dauphin County in Pennsylvania and I have not had problems with any being mean or rude. They wave to me and the ones that have businesses they are polite. They aren't any different than us some are nice and some can be rude. I have always met Amish that are polite and friendly.
In my area of Iowa many older Amish are bi lingual and their English may seem abrupt but that could be caused by them using their second language. The Amish I trade with are friendly once they know you
I live in an Amish community and some are more social than others. I find that they are very reluctant to give any personal info at all! Ever! They also will just walk away when they are done socializing with me which I found kind of funny. My opinion is that the ones that are not social towards me seem to be in a hurry or maybe a little stressed out and need to get something done etc... All that being said I've been living in thus community for 2 years and I've made friends with more Amish neighbors than non Amish neighbors. I've also found that the younger Amish are much more social.
Having grown up and been Amish for over 40 years and left 3 years ago. I will say there are rude Amish but majority are not intentionally rude to outsiders. It is simply a product of partial isolation from the general public. Such as going to their own schools being taught by their own people. And the likes.... Etiquettes are not taught in Amish school.
I must be of Amish descent, just me, no one else in my family. 😂 I find it highly annoying when I share a space or car ride with someone who yaps away, silence please. 😂
Honestly, I see little difference between Amish manners and the greater community of Western PA. Being a transplant from the West Coast, I've had quite a shock dealing with rural, or small town Appalachian culture
What an intensely independent society to live in mid America and stand by simple living and morals, decency and true integrity by God's measure, or that is the goal. In the light of this, the shadows fall far behind, or don't even exist.
Clearly nobody has translated the Victorian rules of etiquette into German, thus expecting a people to abide by manners that they have never heard of, is foolhardiness. Many times English people talk about something or ask for something in a roundabout or oblique way. To them it means being polite, to me it is confusing as to what they are actually saying. Like in, E - do you have two cans of milk? A - Yes. E - don't you feel like passing them to me? A - Do you want to buy 2 cans? Can they not give a simple instruction, does it always have to be in the form of a question creating confusion? Never sure if I must answer the question or do an action. Or if you are working on something that is creating a noise, they will say, don't you feel that you have worked on that long enough for today? Obviously not, if I had worked on it long enough I would be finished working on it. I think it's because English culture is confrontational that it forces them to be roundabout with what they say. If you said to an English, hey it's late stop making a noise, their comeback would be, who are you to tell me what to do? How dare you. Normal people would be, sorry I didn't realize and stop. In Amish culture your neighbor would come over and help you finish.
I'm Amish,but would consider myself more on the progressive side (obviously if I'm on TH-cam?)I actually know Ben from some of your other videos quite well,used to work on a construction crew with some of his boys..That said, I think the more brisk/rude Amish would come from the "stripe" that feel too much interaction with non-Amish may lead them astray,so they would tend to refrain from building a solid friendship!! On a side note,I'm curious which "former schoolhouse " you live in,is it on a hill about 4 miles from Ben's house??
Amish believe in disagreement. They feel if they agree with everything someone says that makes them a pushover. So that might also make them seem rude.
Only perhaps if you know each other really well, will they openly disagree with you, but if you are a stranger saying something that they disagree with, they will just look away, maybe even turn slightly away from you. Or simply nod the head, like ok we're done and walk away. Open confrontation is avoided with strangers, as it serves no purpose and is generally out of ignorance of Amish culture. Having to give them a hour long introduction to Amish life in order for them to understand why they are wrong, is just to much of a time waste. Best to just say ja and walk away.
Germans even today are a good deal more direct in their speech than is customary in the US. They are not into small talk . As you indicate when your business in selling to the “English”, Amish learn like every successful sales person, that sales are better when you communicate with customers in a style they are comfortable with.
Ive never felt like any Amish I've known or dealt with were rude but they are quite direct! However, i appreciate that as i tend to be pretty direct too. I cant stand dilly dallying around. You want something? Get to the point! Haha!
I interact the Amish in Parke County Indiana and do not feel the Amish are impolite or lack manners. In fact I completely disagree with this concept completely. I have dealt with the Amish in everyday life and in emergency conditions.
Generally speaking, the Germans and the Swiss in Europe to this day are short, direct and appreciate silence. The Swiss even more so than the Germans. In small villages or more remote areas, older people especially will call you on the phone without introducing themselves, expecting you to recognize their voices.
True, after the first formal introduction, it would be rude to introduce themselves again as if you were a stranger to them. Normally you just ask, is this Moses I'm speaking with, no it's Adam, ah you sound just like Moses on the phone. Meanwhile you are looking at the people around you, silently asking, who the heck is Adam?
In my experience, some Amish are rude, sime amish are not, the older ones seem harder, i dont that rude is correct. I think many just have a general mistrust of english.
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Any Amish I’ve talked with have been nice. They are direct, but pleasant.
My husband rides his bicycle frequently through the Amish community near our home. The Amish always wave as a greeting but never call out "hello." My husband feels they are more comfortable with the "silence" of nonverbal communication.
As I am approaching my fourth year of being an Amish driver I can relate to what you are saying. I have noticed some of my riders can spend most of the drive without a single word till they ask me what my charge is. I've had riders that started out as very quiet but as they come to know me better they are much better at talking with me about a wide verity of subjects. I am very knowledgeable when it comes to current events and some will pick my brain for news about the world. I have actually been reminded some times that certain subjects go against what they believe in such as how the Earth was created and other things. In my 70 plus years I have never had a better group of loyal friends'. I had a small Heart attack recently and two of the Men I drive sent two of their older sons to my house and brought in enough wood and pellets to get us through my recovery time and refused any payment for doing so.
I think driving the Amish would be a great learning experience and in your case sounds like you made some great friends who truly care about you. Thanks for sharing this.
think i meant to spell VARIETY
I was in Ohio looking for an aircraft salvage company (Mennonite owned), I had to ask directions in I think it was Appleton. An Amish-man overheard me ask a lady ,who wasn't helpful. He walked across the road and helped me out. I thought he was very polite and helpful.
Can confirm the one-word requests at the dinner table! It was disconcerting at first, but now I mumble "buttah" or "kaes" (cheese) just like everyone else. Not cleaning your plate by eating every scrap of food is considered very rude by the Amish, though. Partly because they see it as wasteful and partly to make cleanup easier, since they wash dishes by hand.
Takes some getting used to!
Wasteful: Don't take food, that you will not eat... + careless, selfish, gluttonous, ungrateful...
I worked at a china and gift store and we had a lot of the younger ones who were getting married and would come in and pick there china dishes out and they were always polite and appreciated our help. They always said thank you before they left. However some of the older ones were short (not rude) but to the point and no more. We always looked forward to them coming in. It was a joy to wait on them. I’m from PA.
Interesting! I’m no longer Amish but when I was a part of the culture I used to speak at several local colleges about once a year. One of the topics was titled "Are the Amish Rude?"
Funny story - my Amish ministers and friends were curious about what I had to say about Amish being rude. In a discussion one Sunday after lunch I mentioned that Amish often abruptly end a conversation simply by walking away. My friends all laughed and within the next 5 minutes two of the people in the conversation demonstrated that very thing. For those still in the conversation it suddenly became real to them.
I have never heard the thought that Amish may have cut words of etiquette from their speech in order to be "plain".
My assumption has been that what appears to be rudeness is a German peasant brusqueness that has minimally interacted with people different from themselves.
There is the thing though that with my families really conservative members, that when an Amishman uses "good manners" he’s just putting on airs.
It’s definitely true that manners seem to improve with groups that are less traditional or agrarian.
Hilarious story, thanks for sharing these and the observations. I can see the "putting on airs" perception.
I'm an Englishman, living in rural Ireland for over 20 years. I used to use way too many words when talking to my neighbours. I would say- "Good morning Pat. It's really cold this morning isn't it?" These days it's like this- "Pat. Tiz hardy enough!"
Also, everyone down in the village when meeting asks "How are ye?" but it's not a question and the correct response is to say the same thing back.
I love it! Kind of like the US version of "how ya doin"
Ive never experienced talking to the Amish but I respect them and their simple life. Thank you for this vidro Eric! Always enjoy them!
My pleasure, thanks for watching!
Lived and continue to visit rural PA town with many Amish. I’ve never perceived them as rude in my interactions to purchase quilts and wood furniture. I admire them and have a lot to learn from their culture. God bless the Amish!
Our local Amish community is Swiss (their term) and leans more toward Schwartzentruber culture. I have two different ways of interacting with the families. Those folks I’ve known and worked with my whole life are family to me. We are very open and “chatty” across generations. Those folks I don’t know as well are more reserved and so I follow their lead. Their level of comfort with English varies and I think that is a factor in the ease of communication. I also have learned not to address the lady of the house directly unless she addresses me. I try to be conscious of social norms they prefer to hold so I’m not rude or unwittingly creating discomfort for my Amish neighbors. I’ve really enjoyed your channel, and my Amish friends enjoy watching and chatting about the videos you create.
Edited to include that they rely on my phone…..lol.
Great observations and sounds like you've figured out the right approach. When I first was spending time in the Swiss Amish community at Allen County, Indiana, I had a tough time connecting with people, though that eventually changed. I think the Swiss groups tend to be more reserved around outsiders. Very happy to hear your Amish friends enjoy the vids and give them a hello from me!
We have shopped in an Amish store and they were polite, said thank you or smiled. Its all good!
I always enjoy your videos and your perspective on the Amish. I have been fortunate enough to have been exposed to many cultures around the world. That experience has taught me to remind myself that I need to be careful not to map my own cultural expectations onto other cultures. What appears to us as rude or a lack of manners is a function of our cultural expectation. Putting the shoe on the other foot, we can appear rude to people of other cultures unless we are sensitive to their expectations.
Very well said!
I've never met any Amish who were rude. They were always polite and I always enjoyed conversations with them.
I think your explanations are spot on and applicable to other conservative, plain groups. I work with Old German Baptist Brethren all the time and they are very “functional,” not just in speech but in everything. They are very “chatty” in relationships, but small talk seems to serve no purpose/function, so they just don’t.
"Functional" seems like a good word for this along with practical. I appreciate your observations here.
I grew up Amish, left the religion sixteen years ago.
I cringe often after someone asks how I’m doing, I usually respond, but in my hustle bustle, I forget to ask how they’re doing.
Kind of reminds me of jokes about Germans, their seriousness and lack of sense of humor. My Mennonite Grandfather used to hate using the phone, and would answer angrily. He would not say goodbye either, just hang up. It was awkward but I realized he's not trying to be rude just didn't like the phone. I've inherited some of this seriousness so can laugh at how weird it can seem.
I chuckled, nice mental picture there. I don't fault your grandfather either, I'm 50/50 on using the phone myself 😄
@@AmishAmerica Yeah, me too... nowadays.
Yeah I seen this happen with my older relatives. I mean really older relatives and i'm fifty three. So i'm probably talking about the one set passed away twenty seven years ago. Is not just them it's in the pennsylvania dutch Area. But that's the story for another time.
@@flyacow Some people call it superstition but I think it's more about keeping life simple. Have you heard Edward Snowden talk about how cell phones can spy on people? Seal Team 6 talks about how they can still listen without the phone battery Shawn Ryan Clips. Pretty scary stuff...
Most of the interactions I've had with the Amish have been at auctions, mud sales or the Amish market. I don't recall ever feeling they were rude, but I definitely thought they didn't like small talk. I assumed it was because I was English or if I was speaking to a man, it was that I was a woman. If I was speaking to a woman, they seemed very shy, but not rude. However, amongst themselves, they were social and friendly.
It's true that Amish women can be more reserved in public, especially among non-Amish. I also feel it sometimes when I go into an Amish store in a plainer or more off the beaten path community.
Another great video ! My wife & I have found that Amish shop owners in the Shipshewana , In. area have been very friendly & talkative. Often asking about OUR way of life ! We have shared recipes & tips on canning & smoking foods , as well as on trips to other places. The best interaction was w/ an Amish woman in a woodworking shop in Shipsee about her & our separate trips to Alaska & Salmon fishing & how we preserved our catch ! We shop at an Amish discount grocery store every few months in Centreville, Mich. , & while the young ladies that work in the store are cordial, they are not willing to to be openly friendly & carry on a conversation. They also don't laugh at my( "dad jokes) ! Still love going there though .
I agree with your general assessment of Amish speaking. My husband and I live in mid Michigan and all the Amish we know are very friendly. Their speech patterns are different, some may interpret it as rude but I think more direct. It is just their way. I’m so glad to know so many as I believe they are hard working good people.
I am from Southern Ohio and grew up in Scioto county. In Adams county (west of Scioto) is the Wheatridge community of Amish. They have a furniture store, bakery and discount grocery. They are New Order and have always been friendly. I often visit these businesses when I am in the area. The cashier always saids hello and saids how are you today? They say thank you after ringing my purchases. I think you are right about Amish business people maybe adjusting due to interacting with the english but I do think that they are being genuine and not just doing it because we expect it.
I live in an Amish and Mennonite area in west central Missouri. When horse and buggys are on the highways the drivers, without fail, wave at every car they meet. In the limited business interactions I've had with them, they do say thank you.
Hi Erik. My Grandmother was Swiss German from Baltimore Maryland. I've never met any Amish who were rude. They were always polite and I always enjoyed conversations with them. I love your channel. Great work!! God Bless you and your family and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Even though i was brought up by an adopted Amish mother and taught her ways but now live an "English" lifestyle out of necessity, i understand the reasons of keeping the English/Worldly influences away in order to preserve Amish "Purity". But what bothers me is the almost Hatred with some ultra strict communities against other Christians. Even when those Amish in question know they are dealing with a known fellow believer in Christ, they still tend to treat us as Heathens with an almost arrogance against us as though we aren't worthy of being in their presence or their beliefs in Christ are superior. At a Time in Human history where we all must bond together for survival against evil and for the common good, they still endeavor to drive a even wider wedge between us instead of strengthening our common love for our Lord. If someone can shed some light on that aspect, please feel free to comment here. At 64 years of age i am respected as an elder in my community and to a small degree respected in the Amish community only if i have a fistful of dollars. That bothers me also with an almost double standard. If we are so evil and money being the heart of all evil, why then is our money suddenly acceptably pure enough for them to cross over that invisible fence of Worldliness.
I live on a farm close to Amish/Mennonite neighbors. I make an effort to be a courteous neighbor. They can not exist without the outside world. The 1700's are long gone. Its like my kids playing cowboys and Indians. They have the same desire to make money as anyone else. And they can be very unethical in business dealings. I do business with them and keep both eyes and ears open. #1 rule never let them know how much you know or that you are watching out for a hidden motive. Keep your personal business to yourself. I will never cheat a man in a deal myself, but Amish are full of surprises. Amish do not see you as a friend, you are someone they can cultivate as a resource for the right time. It is what it is. They are especially friendly to the owners of large tracts of land. Hint, hint.
Interesting topic:)…..in my experience living in Berks County for over 30 yrs…… they’re friendly, very SINCERE, above all…uncomplicated and refreshing:)
My family's been in Lancaster County for 300 years, while I'm not Amish I do have some of their traits. I attribute their so-called shortness of rudeness to an agrarian lifestyle. There's no time for pleasantries when the pigs are loose. I also grew up in a large family and recall hearing "If you don't have anything to say don't say anything at all".
We build diesel generators and sell a fair amount to the Amish. I find the Amish refreshing and honest.....hard working and responsible. Of course not all are the same but more so than the English. I was born in Germany.........but I am not Amish, I do not believe in one "God". Other than that I could be Amish, easy. I like how they live and they are some of the most transparent compassionate people I have had the honor to meet.
I have worked with Amish quite a bit. I quickly realized they do this thing where they try to use as few words as possible. Ill never forget the first time I saw this play out. I was with a construction crew talking to the foreman. A load of material arrived. The foreman looked at one of the men there eyes met and then he looked at the delivery truck. The guy went over and started unloading to truck. The foreman then looked at another guy, the same thing played out. No words but is was clear he wanted them to unload the truck. I began to understand they used as few words as possible. We we were done discussing something they would just turn and walk away. Not rude just efficient
I can only speak for myself I've never run into this just this week play Lady by the name of Leah has an Amish store about a mile from me and she's a good friend and I took her a Hanukkah gift and she wished me Merry Christmas. I've gotten Christmas cards from Amish when I wasn't showing up at the store on a normal basis they were actually worried about me they told me this and that they pray that I'm okay. With all the Amish I got with throughout my life I can honestly say that I have never run into the issue of anyone being rude. And with that being said this being the last night of Hanukkah I'd like to wish you a happy Hanukkah and a merry Christmas and I pray that the Miracles and the blessings of both of our holidays brings peace and blessing to you and yours.
I sometimes work with Amish families in their homes to provide services for their children who have disabilities. They have always been friendly and hospitable and have not been curt or "impolite". I enjoy spending time with them. They are no-nonsense, though, and want to get things done. I can appreciate that.
I live near a local Amish settlement and frequently do business with them and have hired Amish contractors. No, I don't think the Amish I've come in contact with are rude at all. Plain culture = plain speaking, in my book. In fact, I really enjoy our conversations, because my Amish friends and acquaintances tend to notice details and nuances that others more accustomed to staring at a screen would easily miss. They are more attuned to each other and their world in a way that we non-Amish could do well to get back to.
The roofers I hired were amazing to my (now late) 96-year-old dad, who I took care of at home. When he found out that their technique was the same as how our barn roof was done in the 1930s, that was all the official stamp of approval I needed to hire them. They wanted to visit with him on their breaks, and really picked his brain about what farming was like when he was young. Even brought him a straw hat made in their community.
I'm a single non-Amish woman n a rural area, and I tend to be quite busy with many different things out of daily life necessity. Would some people consider me "rude" because I tend to keep conversations short because I have a lot to do? Probably. But I think in non-Amish American culture we are way too sensitive in general, and blunt, frank, honest speech can be unnecessarily perceived as rude or unkind.
You made some really thought-provoking points in this video, Erik - especially the Amish perhaps being more comfortable with silence, which could be perceived as a lack of manners. Never would I have ever considered that. But then, I'm a person who appreciates comfortable silence in my connections with people.
Short and to the point. Our experience in Lancaster, PA.
How are you doing mr Erik . Thank you for your wonderful cultural channel about Amish people. They are very strange people as read . Amish are private people who avoid as much contact with strangers ( outside people) . As possible for important religious and cultural reasons . When visiting their community we must be keep following basic rules , don’t stare or gawk , otherwise be disrespectful of Amish . It’s polite to speak to male if possible. Happy new year, merry Merry Christmas. Iam Arabic lady subscriber to several British and American TH-cam channels. Good luck to you your dearest ones .
Thank you!
Hello Erik. I don't think the Amish are rude because everyone and every caulture are raised differently. All of my experiences with the Amish have been good. Not a bad experience at all.
We live amongst the Amish in southern Lancaster county. They always wave when they go by or when you pass them but seldom stop to visit. We have come to the conclusion that we will never be true “friends” just neighbors. Amish businessmen do not seem to want to deal with me but would rather deal with my husband. We were parked next to an Amish transport van yesterday and the young Amish woman opened the door and hit our mirror, she never said a word of apology, just proceeded to the store.
I’m so glad you mentioned Amish people just walking away when a conversation is finished. That happened to me while speaking to an Amish woman; she just finished her sentence, then turned and walked off, didn’t say goodbye. I was so worried I unknowingly had said something insulting or upsetting to her. I feel so much better now.
Another great video ! I do find the Amish just more quiet! Reserved with any small talk but not rude. It seems they just don’t ramble on in conversation. So its been hit or miss with some saying thank you where others do not. Your video made me think! Keep them coming please!
Thanks Susan, yes I have been around some very polite Amish people but definitely some more curt and abrupt as I think it's said in the video. I think it can vary by community too. Glad the video was food for thought!
I reckon this is the way they communicate with each other (which they do a lot of) and so it carries over when communicating with outsiders (which they do much less of).
Words like thank you may be used very much in one culture and much less in another. For example, it's used less in Korea than the US. But they use different expressions, for example _sugohaseyo_ (keep working hard / keep up the good effort) used with a shop worker or a subordinate co-worker. Basically it's 'I recognise your effort and appreciate you served me well'. So, you're in Korea, you've learned the word for thank you (gomapsumnida or gamsahamnida), and at the shop you notice that the Korea customers don't use it. They're saying something else.
Very interesting Erik, I have never met any Amish and I have assumed they would be more polite than the rest of us now I know better. Anywho thank you for sharing always enjoy your videos entertaining and informative
Well I would say some of them are very polite, it's just that certain communication styles seen among Amish contrast with the more typical American communication, and so some leave off the "niceties" that a lot of us are accustomed to. Glad you liked the vid!
I think that when dealing with a different culture (whatever it is) your culture isn't "right," it just is, as is theirs and shouldn't be judged by your culture.
Before you said it, I was wondering if it was their cultural (German/European) background influencing behavior even today. I'm a 1st generation American, and I've noticed that I tend to be a lot more direct than most Americans since my parents are that way (Hungarian), so that's how I grew up.
That first story sounds like someone describing me im mildly autistic and act that way un-intentionally if im not thinking about it
Good video. Interesting topic. All of the old Catholic families around here, had very large families…and manners.
There was a vegetable stand that was ran by two teenage sisters. They were always no ma’am/sir, yes ma’am/sir, thank you and have a good day with lots of smiling, The one time I went there their mother on the other hand was more too the point and the standard Amish in this video. So it may be a generational thing or an age thing.
When I was working at a visitor center in PA the tourists from German speaking countries often came in with completely different stories on how hospitable the Amish were from offering free food, discounts on quilts, got tours of their farms, ect…so it may be a language thing as well.
Its nice to see you again
Not having much experience with Amish, one thing I'm curious about in this area is the physical separation of Amish people in a conversation vs.English? I mention this as having lived and worked in Austria, people in a conversation typically stand closer together than Americans do. Another great video, Merry Christmas to you and your family!
I personally have never interacted with the Amish in person (I live in Utah and rarely venture outside the state), but I have bought genuine Amish-made products before from a small store called Apple Creek Bulk Food Co in Willard, UT, so we have had some sort of impact on each other's lives. I am fascinated by the Amish and, as a fully devoted Christian who attempts to be in the world but not of the world, I do see that principle differently than they do, but can understand where they're coming from and hold a deep respect for them!
I get in trouble for being like this.
My grandpa was a man of little words. When he spoke, it was straight forward, no beating around the (proverbial) bush. Some folks were shocked or offended by his ways. When ever a natural thing happened (belched, etc...) never apologized. One time when he was questioned about it; he says; "Why it's a natural function within our bodies why should I apologize for something that happens naturally."
I guess his plain and simple ways rubbed off on me.
One time I was told that I was just like a doctor who had poor bedside manners being blunt and to the point. I am trying to be more polite in my older years. There just happens to be some things that are hard to change when there doesn't seem to be a reason.
YES! I'M WHAT THE AMISH CALL ENGLISH.
Never grew up near any Amish or Mennonites. Even though I think it would have been very interesting growing up with them as neighbors.
I meet an Amish couple in a local retail store and i said good morning and they returned the gesture.
I think the niceties and small talk is the result of a very individualistic community. Foreigners are stunned by how friendly Americans are without being friends. For the Amish, they live as a community so such niceties are redundant.
Another very interesting, instructive video! Thank you so much, Erik.
Living in an Amish community I have found less is more even in conversations
My Norwegian (first generation American, but their parents immigrated from Norway) grandparents would ask for the catsup by merely saying catsup? as a question. They were from massive families (grandfather was 12th of twelve children), so maybe that had something to do with it. The Amish I deal with in our area (SW Wisconsin) are not polite, but that's never bothered me, it's just the way they are.
I'm not Amish and have never really interacted with any Amish, unless you count the single time I sat in a train station waiting room to see my son off late one night, with an Amish family also in the waiting room. They spoke German, but I'm sure they all were fluent in English because they were able to communicate with the ticket seller without a problem. Being that they were together as a family, it would have been rude of me to inject myself into their interactions, which is poor manners in non-Amish culture, too. But my grandmother was of German parentage, her father having emigrated from Germany in 1880, and her mother having been born to German immigrants in Detroit, so I guess those great-great-grandparents of mine must have emigrated from Germany circa 1860. At that time, German culture and language were retained by the following generations. They didn't give up the language until the First World War. My grandma grew up speaking German, and she taught my French-Canadian grandpa (himself the son of an immigrant from Canada), but they never taught their kids the language. But I definitely grew up bi-cultural, because my mother's family is all Irish and very outgoing, whereas my Dad's family are quite reserved, comfortable with silence, and when they do speak, they speak directly. All but three of the siblings are still alive in Dad's family, but I still see some of those characteristics in my cousins. I think I actually picked up more on that trait than on my mother's family's traits, because my Mom will still comment that I'm being rude, or at least insinuate it. And I don't care 😂 She's just being Irish 😂
I have been following your website which I like but I was missing the videos that would pop up. I’m so glad to see you on TH-cam. You’re just one of my favorite channels. The Amish may not appear polite but you seem to have impeccable manners you must be because your southern border. Coming from the north people are in my sport brusque up here. If you don’t post again I want to wish you a merry Christmas.
Thanks very much, very nice to hear that! Merry Christmas, andI do plan to have at least another video or two out before December 25 :)
Amish are really nice people
I grew up in a plain (Brethren) church. My widowed mother married a Mennonite. They all spoke Pennsylvania Dutch even though they weren't "old order". I find the Amish to be friendlier and MUCH LESS judgemental than either than those people!
I have been known to walk away when done with a conservation with a nod goodbye
Another great video on a great topic!
I have worked in these communities for several years. Yet, I am no expert. I delivered truck goods and also worked as an electrician. These people were polite and respectful to me as a worker. Sometimes, a little out of bounds like the time an Amish man ask me if I needed advice wiring a lamp fixture. It seems to me the Mennonites are a little more friendly.
They are not rude; they get to the point without a lot of unnecessary conversation. People don't understand that the Amish have a living to make and every minute counts.
Another good point, people are busy.
I've been interacting with Amish for decades, and they have always identified themselves when they call. When it comes to conversation, they usually talk my ear off. When you mention rude, I have never seen that, and I know rude, I live in the NYC area.
😄great comment. Sounds like you know some nice folks there
I've always found most Amish folks to be at least tolerably polite; I never recall anyone's neglecting their "please and thank you" manners. But then I didn't usually interact with them that much, so maybe in some cases I just never happened to encounter occasions where they would need to respond to me like that.
Is that the windmill here? Is Morgan town Pennsylvania? I saw for a few seconds in a video right outside Berks County in Lancaster County. I'm just asking yeah the rudeness. I come from a Menonite family it takes some getting used, lol.
It is! I filmed that last December
I have had Amish friends for 40 yrs, in the beginning, on first meeting, it was pretty much one work answers, until. Wr hit on a mutual interest subject. Then it was more of a normal conversation. Over the years. I would see this as a bystander to conversations with an unfamiliar person and my friends. Those one word answers..another thing, I was told they could talk faster when talking in Dutch. Les words used to get the point across.
I love your vedios
As a German expat I assume the Amish aren’t rude just German, a lot of Americans perceive the way Germans communicate as rude or brusque (hope I used that word correctly.)
Nice insight and I think it is a more direct speaking style but coupled with that many Germans I have given the impression of being quite warm and even outgoing. Maybe that reflects mainly meeting people when they're on vacation, but fwiw :)
well they got BUSTED FOR CRYSTAL METH ! = big community hidden secret !
This makes sense. The Germans are more rigid of a people, whereas the folks of the British isles are generally more polite… at least the people I spent time with over there… those were some good lads!
This is also normal in German/Swiss countries.
Grandad got into a bad accident and ended up in a body cast for a while, just as his tobacco crop was about ready. His Amish neighbors came over and cut , dried the tobacco in the barn , and then took it to market. They brought him the money and wouldn't take a cent . Meanwhile, nobody from his own church was to be seen . Love and respect for the Amish.
I have worked with amish in a commercial kitchen. When I started I was with a good group that overlooked the fact that I was English. But over the years as new generations of girls come in to work it has been a steady decline. The ones I currently am with are most generally rude and inconsiderate. It is just getting close to where I am ready to give up a good paying job that I have had for 24 years because I can't deal with being punished for being non amish. Not to mention how much people are buffaloed by them thinking they are hardworking. Not these ones some of the laziest . Not to say all are like that because there is good ones just not where I am.
How we Austrian Americans think: If someone has to ask for ketchup and it is sitting in front of you, you are the one who is rude. You should have passed it around the table and you didn’t! If I have to ask for ketchup twice, you will know that I am getting upset. Wake up, pay attention, pass the ketchup, time for eating, less talking, more food. I love the Amish, God bless them! 😁
I see a lot of Amish in Lancaster and in Upper Dauphin County in Pennsylvania and I have not had problems with any being mean or rude. They wave to me and the ones that have businesses they are polite. They aren't any different than us some are nice and some can be rude. I have always met Amish that are polite and friendly.
I think Catholic nuns to be be extremely formal yet friendly on the telephone (very soft spoken) yet very somewhat cold in person.
"Blunt", but not "rude". Even then, most Amish I have interacted with were not that way. MANY are quite amiable... In their way.
In my area of Iowa many older Amish are bi lingual and their English may seem abrupt but that could be caused by them using their second language. The Amish I trade with are friendly once they know you
Not at all in ARTHER Illinois there reserved yet friendly.
I live in an Amish community and some are more social than others. I find that they are very reluctant to give any personal info at all! Ever! They also will just walk away when they are done socializing with me which I found kind of funny. My opinion is that the ones that are not social towards me seem to be in a hurry or maybe a little stressed out and need to get something done etc... All that being said I've been living in thus community for 2 years and I've made friends with more Amish neighbors than non Amish neighbors. I've also found that the younger Amish are much more social.
They claim to be non individual oriented so they'll be less focused on individuals IN GENERAL GENERAL.
Having grown up and been Amish for over 40 years and left 3 years ago. I will say there are rude Amish but majority are not intentionally rude to outsiders. It is simply a product of partial isolation from the general public. Such as going to their own schools being taught by their own people. And the likes.... Etiquettes are not taught in Amish school.
I must be of Amish descent, just me, no one else in my family. 😂 I find it highly annoying when I share a space or car ride with someone who yaps away, silence please. 😂
Amish people I think are kind, basic and function on a basic level. They are good people.
Honestly, I see little difference between Amish manners and the greater community of Western PA. Being a transplant from the West Coast, I've had quite a shock dealing with rural, or small town Appalachian culture
My family is Finnish. This so tracks! XD
This is not just Amish trait.
What an intensely independent society to live in mid America and stand by simple living and morals, decency and true integrity by God's measure, or that is the goal. In the light of this, the shadows fall far behind, or don't even exist.
Clearly nobody has translated the Victorian rules of etiquette into German, thus expecting a people to abide by manners that they have never heard of, is foolhardiness.
Many times English people talk about something or ask for something in a roundabout or oblique way. To them it means being polite, to me it is confusing as to what they are actually saying. Like in,
E - do you have two cans of milk?
A - Yes.
E - don't you feel like passing them to me?
A - Do you want to buy 2 cans?
Can they not give a simple instruction, does it always have to be in the form of a question creating confusion?
Never sure if I must answer the question or do an action.
Or if you are working on something that is creating a noise, they will say, don't you feel that you have worked on that long enough for today?
Obviously not, if I had worked on it long enough I would be finished working on it.
I think it's because English culture is confrontational that it forces them to be roundabout with what they say.
If you said to an English, hey it's late stop making a noise, their comeback would be, who are you to tell me what to do? How dare you.
Normal people would be, sorry I didn't realize and stop.
In Amish culture your neighbor would come over and help you finish.
Isn't it funny how commerce and money brings out the desire to be more polite to people.
I'm Amish,but would consider myself more on the progressive side (obviously if I'm on TH-cam?)I actually know Ben from some of your other videos quite well,used to work on a construction crew with some of his boys..That said, I think the more brisk/rude Amish would come from the "stripe" that feel too much interaction with non-Amish may lead them astray,so they would tend to refrain from building a solid friendship!!
On a side note,I'm curious which "former schoolhouse " you live in,is it on a hill about 4 miles from Ben's house??
Amish believe in disagreement. They feel if they agree with everything someone says that makes them a pushover. So that might also make them seem rude.
Only perhaps if you know each other really well, will they openly disagree with you, but if you are a stranger saying something that they disagree with, they will just look away, maybe even turn slightly away from you.
Or simply nod the head, like ok we're done and walk away.
Open confrontation is avoided with strangers, as it serves no purpose and is generally out of ignorance of Amish culture.
Having to give them a hour long introduction to Amish life in order for them to understand why they are wrong, is just to much of a time waste.
Best to just say ja and walk away.
Germans even today are a good deal more direct in their speech than is customary in the US. They are not into small talk . As you indicate when your business in selling to the “English”, Amish learn like every successful sales person, that sales are better when you communicate with customers in a style they are comfortable with.
Ive never felt like any Amish I've known or dealt with were rude but they are quite direct! However, i appreciate that as i tend to be pretty direct too. I cant stand dilly dallying around. You want something? Get to the point!
Haha!
I interact the Amish in Parke County Indiana and do not feel the Amish are impolite or lack manners. In fact I completely disagree with this concept completely. I have dealt with the Amish in everyday life and in emergency conditions.
The more modern ones seem to be friendlier. The swartzentrubers less so.
yes amish can be very rude, took a trip with them to florida,was treated very badly. was mocked on the bus trip by men. ladies were very nice.
Generally speaking, the Germans and the Swiss in Europe to this day are short, direct and appreciate silence. The Swiss even more so than the Germans.
In small villages or more remote areas, older people especially will call you on the phone without introducing themselves, expecting you to recognize their voices.
True, after the first formal introduction, it would be rude to introduce themselves again as if you were a stranger to them.
Normally you just ask, is this Moses I'm speaking with, no it's Adam, ah you sound just like Moses on the phone.
Meanwhile you are looking at the people around you, silently asking, who the heck is Adam?
I think manners is slowly declining in the US in general.
In my experience, some Amish are rude, sime amish are not, the older ones seem harder, i dont that rude is correct. I think many just have a general mistrust of english.
Good point and one thing I didn't mention in the video is that this could vary by community as well
Sounds very Germanic
I don’t believe they have a word for please in their language. Most of the low German tongues have thank you though.