When in Russia, should I use a patronymic? (В России, мне нужно отчество?) Привет! I am planning to spend a year in Russia teaching English in a couple of years' time. Should I use a patronymic based

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When in Russia, should I use a patronymic? (В России, мне нужно отчество?) Привет! I am planning to spend a year in Russia teaching English in a couple of years' time. Should I use a patronymic based on my father's name (Гэриович) or just stick to my English middle name (Гэри)? Can I choose - and when people need to address me with имя+отчество will they feel comfortable just using my English middle name? And what should I do in official dealings with state authorities? Thanks in advance! Луис

Mar 24, 2011 1:06 AM

Answers · 16

Authorities will be fine with just your name =) But if you are going to be teaching, then it might be a good idea to introduce yourself with a patronimic name.. It will just give you more "weight" and supposed to give you more respect by pupils (generally, teachers and professors are called wtih their patronimics by pupils). But it is all moving so fast now, and depending on what school you will be teaching in, maybe an informal approach will be more welcome..

March 24, 2011