> Besides, no matter how hard we try, we will never pronounce French words to the French's satisfaction. Or to French Canadian's satisfaction. :)

I'll try, anyway. ;-)

> Also, pronouncing words the locally correct way can sound silly when you're obviously not a local. I could never say "N'Awlins" in New Orleans and not be laughed at by the locals. To me, an American of non-Hispanic descent saying "BARK-a-lona" (Barcelona) or "Madrid" with a rolled R would seem pretentious or affected.

No, "Bar-say-low-na" might seem affected; "Bar-suh-low-nuh"(as everyone on Fawlty Towers except Manuel says it) would seem normal for an American. "BARK-a-lona" would be... well, I'll just say that I've never heard anyone call it that. :)

> Though some names are an exception. The proper way to say "Lancaster" (in Pennsylvania) is "Lank'ister," not "Lan' casster." And the river in Philadelphia is pronounced "Skoo'kul,"
> not "Shly'-kill."
>
> --Jez"AH-mish!!! NOT Ay-mish!"zika

Ay-mish? Are people thinking, "Ay-mish and Andy"?

Nyperold