The world of the Amish – Between tradition and temptation | DW Documentary

The world of the Amish – Between tradition and temptation | DW Documentary
Quizzed ESL Activities

Summary: The Amish – Living in a Bygone World

This documentary explores the lives of the Amish communities in the United States, primarily in Pennsylvania and Ohio. It delves into their resolute commitment to a traditional way of life, avoiding modern technologies like cars, electricity, and the internet, while maintaining a strong sense of humility and community solidarity.

Roots and Traditions

The Amish originated from Germany, Switzerland, and Elsass in the 18th century. Today, they lead secluded lives on farms, often speaking a unique dialect and dressing in traditional, 19th-century styles. Their religion is the cornerstone of their existence, prohibiting modern trappings and emphasizing modesty and plainness.

Technology and Modernity

While some groups are extremely strict, others make small concessions to modernity. You might see diesel-powered machinery pulled by horses or solar panels powering old washing machines. However, the core principle remains: denying oneself worldly influences to preserve their culture for future generations.

Community and Education

The Amish prioritize the community over the individual. Education usually ends at age 14 or 15, focusing on vocational training rather than higher education, which is seen as a potential source of temptation and distance from their faith. They rely on their own relief funds and mutual support rather than state welfare systems.

Future Outlook

Despite the challenges of the 21st century, the Amish population is growing. While some young people choose to leave for a more liberal lifestyle, the vast majority intend to stay, finding comfort and purpose in their bygone world.

Vocabulary Table

Term Pronunciation Definition Used in sentence
Resolutely /ˈrez.ə.luːt.li/ In a determined manner; showing a firm purpose. Most, however, resolutely cling to a bygone world in one of the earth’s most technologically advanced countries.
Secluded /sɪˈkluː.dɪd/ Hidden from general view or use; isolated. They lead secluded lives on their farms.
Prohibit /prəˈhɪb.ɪt/ To formally forbid something by law, rule, or other authority. Their religion even prohibits believers from being filmed.
Humility /hjuːˈmɪl.ə.ti/ A modest or low view of one’s own importance; humbleness. As a sign of humility and modesty, he comes to the interview barefoot.
Concession /kənˈseʃ.ən/ A thing that is granted, especially in response to demands. The few machines they use are a small concession to new times and competition.
Modesty /ˈmɒd.ə.sti/ The quality of being unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one’s abilities. And otherwise, you know, it’s just modesty, you know, a modest dress or whatever.
Compulsory /kəmˈpʌl.sər.i/ Required by law or a rule; obligatory. In the United States, schooling is compulsory until age 16.
Vocational /vəʊˈkeɪ.ʃən.əl/ Relating to an occupation or employment. More of a vocational training than just education.
Prosperity /prɒˈsper.ə.ti/ The state of being prosperous; wealth or success. Even so, some Amish achieve considerable prosperity thanks to their skills.
Indoctrinate /ɪnˈdɒk.trɪ.neɪt/ Teach (a person or group) to accept a set of beliefs uncritically. They don’t want to give let somebody else raise the children and indoctrinate them with something that the parents wouldn’t agree.
Self-sustainable /ˌself.səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ Able to maintain itself without external support. The family lives almost self-sustainably without electricity with water from a well.
Scribe /skraɪb/ A person who copies out documents, especially one employed to do this before printing was invented. So we have a letter from a scribe in Webster, Kentucky.
Hereditary /həˈred.ɪ.ter.i/ (Of a title, office, or right) conferred by or based on inheritance. …resulting in increased incidences of hereditary diseases and genetic disorders.
Untenable /ʌnˈten.ə.bəl/ (Especially of a theory or argument) not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection. Continuing to live with her parents and follow their strict rules had become untenable.
Liberal /ˈlɪb.ər.əl/ Willing to respect or accept behavior or opinions different from one’s own; open to new ideas. Like Cheryl, Neva has also joined a more modern church, the Mennonites. They split from the Amish and are more liberal.

Vocabulary Flashcards



Lexical Focus: Collocations & Chunks

Don’t just learn isolated words—learn chunks of language. These patterns will help you speak more naturally.

  • cling to a bygone world
    Verb + Noun Collocation
    Most, however, resolutely cling to a bygone world in one of the earth’s most technologically advanced countries.
  • avoid worldly influences
    Verb + Noun Collocation
    The more than 400,000 Amish in the US lead modest lives, avoiding worldly influences and foregoing cars.
  • deny myself things
    Fixed Expression
    Should I be willing to deny myself things of this world so my grandchildren can have a good life?
  • pitches in
    Phrasal Verb
    The 88-year-old still pitches in and won’t hear of quitting.
  • frowned upon
    Phrasal Verb (Passive)
    Individuality is frowned upon. What counts is the community.
  • stay clear from
    Phrasal Verb
    …our churches stay clear from the evolution theory. We go by the Bible.
  • chip in and help
    Fixed Expression
    They really chip in and help each other and but I, you know, I have investments for retirement.
  • shift her mind
    Verb + Noun Collocation
    …when she gets married, her mind’s going to shift and she’s going to have to take care of the home.
  • apt to get involved
    Fixed Expression
    We believe if we go out the world, we’re more apt to get involved in things that would lead us into sin.
  • divine gift
    Adjective + Noun Collocation
    The Amish consider children with Down syndrome a kind of divine gift.

De-Chunking: Complete the Expressions

Select the correct phrase from the box below to complete the sentences from the video.

cling to a bygone world
avoiding worldly influences
frowned upon
chip in and help
apt to get involved

1. Most, however, resolutely in one of the earth’s most technologically advanced countries.

2. The more than 400,000 Amish in the US lead modest lives, and foregoing cars.

3. Individuality is . What counts is the community.

4. The Amish community as a whole, they really each other.

5. We believe if we go out the world, we’re more in things that would lead us into sin.



While-viewing Tasks

Complete these tasks while watching the video to stay focused and check your understanding:



Guided Notes

Fill in the missing information as you watch the documentary:

  • Amish population in the US:
  • Age when Amish children typically finish school:
  • The name of the Amish newspaper:
  • Common hereditary condition mentioned:

Questions to Answer

  1. Why do the Amish avoid portraits and being filmed?
  2. What is the main purpose of the “diesel-powered” machinery on Pete’s farm?
  3. How do the Amish feel about higher education like becoming a doctor?

Which of these did you see?

  • A horse-drawn buggy
  • An e-bike
  • A solar-powered washing machine
  • A modern smartphone
  • A computer used for accounting

Embedded Video:

Fill in the Blanks Exercise

1. Amish families lead modest lives, avoiding influences.

2. Their religion even prohibits believers from being .

3. As a sign of and modesty, he comes to the interview barefoot.

4. I want my grandchildren to have a possibility of not being just sucked up into .

5. Pete harnesses the for the corn harvest.

6. Ruth sews all the family’s clothes using a machine.

7. Individuality is upon in the community.

8. The washing machine is powered by a collector.

9. The Amish fear that too much could distance children from the community.

10. For Amish children, schooling ends at or 15.

11. Roy attributes his business success to a reputation for 100% Amish .

12. The factory is powered by a generator.

13. Computers are permitted as long as they are not connected to the .

14. The Amish have a newspaper called The .

15. The Amish consider children with Down syndrome a kind of divine .

Vocabulary Quiz

1. What does it mean to “resolutely” do something?

a) To do it hesitantly
b) To do it with determination
c) To do it accidentally
d) To do it slowly

2. If a place is “secluded,” it is:

a) Isolated and private
b) Busy and crowded
c) Brightly colored
d) Easy to find

3. To “prohibit” something means to:

a) Encourage it
b) Explain it
c) Forbid it
d) Ignore it

4. “Humility” is the quality of being:

a) Arrogant
b) Loud
c) Very wealthy
d) Modest and humble

5. A “concession” is often something granted in response to:

a) A gift
b) A demand or need
c) A joke
d) A dream

6. “Compulsory” schooling is:

a) Mandatory by law
b) Optional
c) Free of charge
d) Done at home

7. “Vocational” training focuses on:

a) Philosophy
b) Video games
c) Practical job skills
d) Ancient history

8. To “indoctrinate” someone means to:

a) Set them free
b) Give them a medical checkup
c) Help them find a job
d) Teach them to accept certain beliefs uncritically

9. “Hereditary” diseases are passed down through:

a) Genetics/Family
b) Contaminated water
c) Air travel
d) Lack of sleep

10. A “liberal” church is generally:

a) More strict than the Amish
b) More open to new ideas and freedoms
c) Only for older people
d) Located only in Europe

Fact or Fiction Quiz

1. The Amish originated from Europe, including Germany and Switzerland.

a) Fact
b) Fiction

2. All Amish groups allow the use of computers connected to the internet.

a) Fact
b) Fiction

3. The Amish population in North America almost doubled between 2000 and 2020.

a) Fact
b) Fiction

4. Amish children are required to attend school until they are 18 years old.

a) Fact
b) Fiction

5. Some Amish families go on vacation to Florida during the winter.

a) Fact
b) Fiction

Extension Activities

Choose from these activities to explore the topic of the Amish culture further:



Research: The Rumspringa

Research the concept of Rumspringa. How does this period of “exploration” for Amish youth impact their final decision to be baptized into the church? Write a short summary of your findings.

Difficulty:
Medium

Discussion: Technology vs. Tradition

With a partner, discuss the pros and cons of the Amish approach to technology. If you had to give up one modern convenience (e.g., your smartphone, car, or internet) for a month, which would be the hardest to let go? Why?

Difficulty:
Easy

Presentation: Amish Education

In a small group, prepare a brief presentation comparing the Amish educational system with your own. Consider aspects like the age of completion, subjects taught, and the ultimate goal of schooling.

Difficulty:
Hard

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