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*''Learn about jurisdictions''. You will need to know about how the nations where your ancestor lived are divided into political subdivisions. The United States are divided into states, counties, towns, and townships. Canada is divided into provinces, counties, towns and townships. Russia and the Ukraine are divided into guberniias, and provinces (oblasts). See the “[[Germans from Russia Historical Geography|Historical Geography]]” article from this set, the [[Germany|Germany Wiki article], and the Wiki article of the nation where your ancestor settled. | *''Learn about jurisdictions''. You will need to know about how the nations where your ancestor lived are divided into political subdivisions. The United States are divided into states, counties, towns, and townships. Canada is divided into provinces, counties, towns and townships. Russia and the Ukraine are divided into guberniias, and provinces (oblasts). See the “[[Germans from Russia Historical Geography|Historical Geography]]” article from this set, the [[Germany|Germany Wiki article], and the Wiki article of the nation where your ancestor settled. | ||
*''Use language helps''. The records and histories of Germans from Russia are often written in German. You do not need to speak or read German to search the records, but you will need to learn some key words and phrases. You may also need to use Russian gazetteers to locate some German settlements. A few records were kept in Russian about German settlers. Some helpful sources are described in the “[[Germans from Russia Language and Languages|Language and Languages]]” article in this set. | *''Use language helps''. The records and histories of Germans from Russia are often written in German. You do not need to speak or read German to search the records, but you will need to learn some key words and phrases. You may also need to use Russian gazetteers to locate some German settlements. A few records were kept in Russian about German settlers. Some helpful sources are described in the “[[Germans from Russia Language and Languages|Language and Languages]]” article in this set. | ||
*''Understand naming patterns''. Many families that moved from German-speaking areas to Russia followed distinct naming patterns. Understanding these customs can help you locate missing ancestors. See the “[[Germany | *''Understand naming patterns''. Many families that moved from German-speaking areas to Russia followed distinct naming patterns. Understanding these customs can help you locate missing ancestors. See the “[[Germany Naming Customs|Naming Customs]]” article of the Germany Wiki page for more information. | ||
'''''Previous Research Sources.''''' Most genealogists do a survey of research previously done by others. This can save time and give you valuable information. You may want to look for:<br> | '''''Previous Research Sources.''''' Most genealogists do a survey of research previously done by others. This can save time and give you valuable information. You may want to look for:<br> | ||
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