As of 1998, this had already become a reality. Many areas in eastern Pennsylvania where people used the dialect at home, in community social events, and even in school-board meetings, have dropped it almost entirely. Older people may still enjoy using it when they get together.
Younger people respond in English if addressed in the German dialect.
In many homes only one parent knows the dialect, and consequently the children do not learn it. The auctioneer at farm sales, and the public speaker at social events will often use some colorful Pennsylvania German words or expressions to arouse interest. Many of the so-called Pennsylvania German events are conducted entirely in English. Lacking this it loses its appeal to the worshiper and becomes a cultural attraction. The Amish and Old Order Mennonites try hard to retain Pennsylvania German in their homes and in their worship.