Intriguing Geographic Names That Spark Curiosity

Understanding the correct usage of geographic names can be quite helpful, especially if you're planning a trip from Suzdal to Goa.

1. Should it be “Alma-Ata” or “Almaty”?

The Kazakh city is officially called Almaty. While many insist on this name, in Russian-language texts, the city is traditionally referred to as Alma-Ata. This preference is supported by official Russian government guidelines concerning the names of former Soviet republics and their capitals.

2. Is it “in Ukraine” or “on Ukraine”?

This topic often sparks debate. However, in Russian linguistic tradition, the correct preposition is “on Ukraine” and “from Ukraine.” This usage stems from historical patterns where some locations take “in” and others “on” depending on their nature, such as “in school” but “on a factory.” Ukraine, though a country and not an island, uniquely uses “on” and “from” without political implications—it's simply a linguistic custom.

3. How to say “from Suzdal” correctly?

Cities like Kazan, Astrakhan, Perm, Kerch, and Tver are feminine nouns in Russian and change their endings accordingly (e.g., “from Kazan”). Suzdal, however, is masculine, so the correct form is “from Suzdal.” Similarly, Anadyr is also masculine.

4. Where is the stress in “Washington”?

The emphasis in the name of President George Washington, as well as the U.S. capital and state, falls on the last syllable: Washingtón. To avoid confusion between Olympia, the capital of Washington State, and Washington, D.C., Americans often specify “Washington D.C.” referring to the District of Columbia.

5. How to pronounce “Reykjavik”?

Iceland's capital is pronounced with the stress on the “ya” syllable: Reykjávik. Note that the “r” is hard, pronounced [re], and the soft sign in the spelling is important.

The residents are called Reykjavíkers.

6. Is it “Dubai” or “Dubaii”?

Many mistakenly pronounce the city and emirate as “Dubaii,” but the correct pronunciation ends with a “y” sound. It declines like the word “shed” in Russian grammar: “Dubai,” “to Dubai,” “in Dubai.”

7. Should it be “Thailand” or “Tailand”?

The correct spelling uses an “i” — Thailand. This diverse country’s inhabitants are called Thais, referring to the largest ethnic group, while “Thailanders” refers to all citizens, similar to the distinction between “Russians” and “Russian nationals.”

8. Is it “in Goa” or “on Goa”?

Goa is an Indian state, not an island or a country like Ukraine, so the correct phrase is “in Goa.” The emphasis is on the first syllable: Góa. The residents are called Goans.

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