The
Pennsylvania Dutch (
Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch) are a cultural group formed by early
German-speaking immigrants to
Pennsylvania and their descendants. This early wave of settlers, which would eventually coalesce to form the Pennsylvania Dutch, began in the late 17th century and concluded in the late 18th century. The majority of these immigrants originated in what is today southwestern
Germany, i.e.,
Rhineland-Palatinate and
Baden-Württemberg; other prominent groups were
Alsatians,
Swiss, and
Huguenots (French Protestants). Historically they have spoken the dialect of
German known as
Pennsylvania German or Pennsylvania Dutch. In this context, the word "Dutch" does not refer to the
Dutch people or their descendants, but to
Deutsch (German).