Linguistic transitions of the Russian-Mennonites in Kansas.

Abstract

The first part of this study reveals a brief history of the Mennonites who came to Kansas with an emphasis on their linguistic development. This covers the period from the year 1530 to 1874. The remaining chapters, two, three and four, deal with the extent and duration of the use of German in the Harvey, McPherson, and Reno counties of Kansas settled by the Russian-Mennonites. The areas of usage examined include: the use of German in the schools, the use of German in the churches, and the use of German in the home. The time period covered in this part of the study begins with the immigration to the United States from Russia in 1874 until the 1930's in the chapter on schools, until the 1950's in the chapter on churches, and until the 1970's in the chapter on the home. One note should be made to avoid any confusion. Throughout the study the designation "German" as a language always refers to the High German language. Low German will always be specified as Low German.