Once again, the Village of Neubergthal will be doing their part to teach you a new language.
Plautdietschet Tietfedrief (Passing the time with Low German) is back by popular demand, where you’ll laugh and reminisce, and learn about the language introduced to Canada by the Mennonites 150 years ago.
The event will take place two Saturdays in April, offering stories and readings, music and comedy, and a little history lesson just for good measure.
The Commons Barn will provide the vintage vibe to help you immerse yourself in the hilarious tales and jokes that make you wish you understood Low German a little better, so you could laugh even harder.
Organizer Joe Braun says over the years they’ve drawn a full house to each of these Low German events, and he’s anticipating the same response now.
The first session on April 6 will feature stories and readings by Joyce Kehler Friesen.
“She’s absolutely hilarious, and her timing is so great,” Braun says.
The afternoon will also feature guest speaker Hans Werner, who teaches Canadian History and Mennonite studies at the University of Winnipeg. His current research includes German and Mennonite migration in the Soviet Union and early Mennonite settlements in Western Canada.
His presentation is titled: “Sent dit onse Lied?” (Are these our people?)
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Mennonites arriving in Canada in the 1870s, and the 100th anniversary of the second wave of Mennonites arriving the 1920s. Werner’s discussion will touch on the complicated relationships between the different generations of immigrants.
“There was some very interesting development among the Mennonites, in terms of education and music, commerce and farming during those early years,” notes Braun. “When the second wave arrived, the more conservative, original settlers saw them as rebels, that had thrown away a lot of the old customs. There was a lot of tension there.”
The April 13 event will feature the music of Enspire, a trio of sisters from the Winkler area.
“The whole performance is in Low German, of course,” Braun says. “The music is quite upbeat and lighthearted, with a good measure of humour.”
Presenter Ron Plett from Mitchell will round out the afternoon with his reading from “Koop enn Bua” (Koop and Buhr).
Both Low German events take place at 2 p.m. at the Neubergthal Commons. The cost is $20 a session, and yes, faspa is included.
For more information, contact Braun at 204-324-6259 or via email to events@neubergthal.ca.
