Robert o Roberto

[BobRitter]

Esto es más sobre la cultura y costumbres del lenguaje. No quiero ser presuntuoso pero si mi nombre es Robert puedo usar Roberto cuando se habla de los latinos?

Gracias a todos.

[aleCcowaN]

I think it's not convenient. Everybody guess that Robert is Roberto in one or more foreign languages and they'd have less trouble remembering you are Robert and not one of the many local Robertos they may know. Besides there's not much problem pronouncing Robert in a similar way to the original -unless they think you're French-.

There's a whole thing of translating names or giving nicknames to adopt a foreigner that is common in the Anglo-Saxon cultures but non necessary in the Hispanic cultures. I mean, my father -who's named was Aroldo- was nicknamed Harry in the States as a way of acceptance as "fellow". In the Hispanic cultures that is not necessary and it may even sound a bit patronizing if you do it by yourself.

[Glen]

Robert, the professor I had used to tell the class not to modify our names, probably for the reasons aleC mentioned. Since that time, I've found opinions on the subject seem to vary.

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

It depends on the kind of people you're dealing with. Many people will find funny (in a good way) that you call yourself "Roberto" or even "Beto" (the equivalent of Bob), and many others will feel uncomfortable like Alec says.
I've seen many Mexicans altering their names to the English equivalents and most Mexicans around find them ridiculous, but the Americans who hear them don't give it a second thought and call them by their English names right away.

If you are talking to a group of new friends relaxed and in a joyous mood, I think your Spanish name will be welcomed; if you are dealing with a more formal group of people, keep your own name and you'll be safe.

[Sancho Panther]

Our niece (barcelonesa) used to have a novio called David and they stayed with us in the UK a couple of times. My English nephews would address him as 'Dave' and I would correct them and indicate the Spanish pronunciation, but 'Dave' would have none of this! As a staunch anglophile he actually liked the anglicised pronunciation!

[BobRitter]

Como siempre, gracias a todos.