Book teaches PA Dutch language
Mary Laub writes story ‘On the Farm’ with phonetic pronunciations, audio recording
Kutztown-area author Mary Laub recently released a picture book, “Uff der Bauerei” (On the Farm), written in Pennsylvania German, aka Pennsylvania Dutch.
“My goal in writing this book is to perpetuate the PA Dutch language. I am truly driven to do what I can to make this happen,” said Laub. “I’m very concerned about the language not being carried on. I am so pleased to hear that there is a resurgence in interest in people wanting to learn the language. I kept thinking what can I do. I want to write a book.”
Illustrations by Lester Zimmerman from East Earl depict the story of a cat and dog living on the farm that Laub grew up on in Maxatawny Township, just outside of Kutztown. One of 10 children, her parents both spoke Pennsylvania Dutch as their first language.
“For me to learn the language I need to see and to say it and read it and see it ... and I just started writing,” she said.
The story is written in both English and PA Dutch, with phonetic pronunciation. There is also an audio recording of the story in PA Dutch to help readers learn the language.
“I must save the language,” she said. “I am very proud to be a Pennsylvania Dutch person. To cling to our heritage and our language is what I wanted to do.”
Laub said Patrick Donmoyer, site coordinator of the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University, was instrumental in helping to create the Phonetic Spelling Pronunciation Guide which is located in the front of the book as a reference for learning to read the text.
“Within the language there are regional pronunciations and/or accents. And, the use of various vocabulary words and synonyms for words, as well as spellings of the words, can vary considerably,” she said. “Regardless of the Pennsylvania Dutch language differences, the importance of passing along the language cannot be overstated. The purpose of the book is to entertain as opposed to focusing on the variations within the language.”
The paperback picture book was released on Nov. 15 by the Masthof Press in Morgantown. Special acknowledgements in the book go to Emma Burkholder for helping Laub learn PA Dutch.
Laub has drafts for future books to carry on the story.
Laub held book signings at the Christmas on the Farm at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University on Dec. 2 and at the Kutztown Community Library Dec. 9. She donated10 percent of the book sales on Dec. 9 to Kutztown Community Library. Laub serves on the Library Board of Trustees.
She is a retired teacher of 42 years, having taught at Kutztown School District and Kutztown University. Laub teaches PA Dutch at the Early Learning Community in Maxatawny Township. She is a member of the International Literacy Association and past president of the Keystone State Reading Association, a statewide literacy organization.
Currently, books are for sale, in addition to online, at Wooden Bridge Dry Goods in Kutztown, Leid Shoes & Saddlery in Kutztown, Dietrich’s Meats in Krumsville, Albright’s Mill in Kempton and Farmhouse Fabrics outside of Fleetwood. Since the book was released, more than 150 books were sold within a two-week period. There is a free audio online download with the purchase of the book or there is a CD which is sold separately. A free bookmark is included with each purchase, online orders excluded.