The Amish Community in the US

The Amish community in the US, originating from Europe, lives by strict rules called “odnom” which include adult baptism and refusal of technological advancements.

Traditional Lifestyle

• No cars, TV, or computers
• Rely on horses for transportation and farm work
• Education limited to age 14 and focused on religious teachings
• Traditional practices, such as blacksmithing, are still alive

Family and Community

• Traditional gender roles are strictly followed
• Family values are prioritized, with limited electricity and technology
• The community preserves centuries-old traditions and artifacts
• Strong work ethic and inner peace are promoted

Employment and Healthcare

• Amish teenagers can start working at 14
• Unique healthcare system, relying on private payments and community-funded programs
• Benefit auctions are held to raise money for medical expenses

Business and Entrepreneurship

• Many small, family-run businesses
• Adapting to modern business needs, such as using drivers and telephones
• Over 80% of Amish businesses are reportedly successful

Personal Stories and Views

• Tom, a former Amish man, shares his story of leaving and returning to the community
• Edna, an Amish woman, shares her views on taboo topics like sex, contraception, and politics
• Lloyd values the self-sufficiency of their lifestyle

Values and Principles

• Respect, discipline, and faith are prioritized
• Self-sufficiency and independence are valued
• Faith and community are prioritized

Term	Definition	Example Usage
Odnom	A set of strict rules followed by the Amish community, including adult baptism and refusal of technological advancements.	The Amish community in the US lives by the odnom, which has helped them maintain their traditional lifestyle.
Self-sufficiency	The ability to provide for oneself without relying on others.	The Amish community values self-sufficiency, which is reflected in their reliance on horses for transportation and farm work.
Inner peace	A state of mind characterized by calmness, serenity, and contentment.	The Amish community promotes inner peace through their strong work ethic and prioritization of family values.
Taboo	A topic or subject that is considered socially unacceptable or off-limits for discussion.	Edna, an Amish woman, shares her views on taboo topics like sex, contraception, and politics.
Respect	A feeling of admiration or esteem for someone or something.	Respect is prioritized in the Amish community, where elders are highly revered and young people are taught to show deference to their elders.
Discipline	The practice of training or developing self-control and good behavior.	The Amish community emphasizes discipline in all aspects of life, from education to work ethic.
Faith	A strongly held belief or trust in a particular set of principles or values.	Faith is a central aspect of the Amish community, where members prioritize their religious beliefs and practices.
Community	A group of people living together or sharing common interests.	The Amish community is a tight-knit group that prioritizes family values and traditional practices.
Entrepreneurship	The practice of starting and running one’s own business.	Many Amish communities have a strong tradition of entrepreneurship, with family-run businesses being the norm.
Values	Principles or standards that guide an individual’s behavior or decisions.	The Amish community has a clear set of values that prioritize respect, discipline, and faith.

Vocabulary Quiz: The Amish Community in the US

Choose the correct definition for each vocabulary word.

1. Odnom

What does “odnom” refer to in the Amish community?

• A type of traditional Amish clothing
• A style of Amish cooking
• Strict rules that guide Amish behavior
• A type of Amish transportation

2. Taboo

What does “taboo” mean in the context of Edna’s views?

• Forbidden or unacceptable topics
• Traditional Amish practices
• Modern technological advancements
• Amish business strategies

3. Self-sufficiency

What does “self-sufficiency” mean in the context of the Amish lifestyle?

• Reliance on others for financial support
• The ability to provide for oneself without external aid
• A type of Amish farming technique
• A style of Amish clothing

4. Centuries-old

What does “centuries-old” mean in the context of Amish traditions?

• Traditions that are less than 100 years old
• Traditions that have been practiced for over 100 years
• Traditions that are unique to the Amish community
• Traditions that are no longer practiced

5. Inner peace

What does “inner peace” refer to in the context of Amish values?

• A state of physical relaxation
• A state of mental calmness and contentment
• A type of Amish meditation practice
• A type of Amish farming technique

Answer Key

• 3. Strict rules that guide Amish behavior
• 1. Forbidden or unacceptable topics
• 2. The ability to provide for oneself without external aid
• 2. Traditions that have been practiced for over 100 years
• 2. A state of mental calmness and contentment

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The Use of the Present Simple for General Truths and Habits

Explanation

The present simple is used to describe general truths, habits, and routines. In the text, it is used to describe the lifestyle and practices of the Amish community. For example, “The Amish community in the US … lives by strict rules”, “They rely on horses for transportation and farm work”, and “Family values are prioritized”. The present simple is used to convey a sense of permanence and timelessness, emphasizing that these are ongoing and regular practices.

Quiz

Question 1
The Amish community in the US ____________________ by strict rules called “odnom”.
lives live living lived

Question 2
The Amish ____________________ on horses for transportation and farm work.
rely relies relying relied

Question 3
Education in the Amish community ____________________ to age 14 and focused on religious teachings.
is limited limits limited limit

Question 4
The Amish community ____________________ centuries-old traditions and artifacts.
preserves preserve preserving preserved

Question 5
Many Amish businesses ____________________ successful.
are is being been

Answer Key

Answer Key
1. lives, 2. rely, 3. is limited, 4. preserves, 5. are