Pronunciation and rhythm

[Perry Lassiter]

I posted again on the thread I started two years ago on Romance languages yesterday. The conversation had evolved to discussing regional pronunciations, which included city names. Louisiana is the champion, I think, in weird names and their sounds. But a new thought cropped up this morning. I'm a native of Monroe, 30 miles to the east, and that town hs a variety of pronunciations. The proper pronunciation (according to me) is equal emphasis on both syllables. However, you hear MAHNroe and MonROE. Then I thought that sometimes I stress the last syllable depending on the rhythm of the sentence, such as "I plan to go to MonROE tomorrow." So I wonder whether others of you have noted similar alterations in pronunciation due to perceived rhythm?
And while I'm at it, a pet peeve: don't EVER pronounce the state Loosiana or LouEEsiana. Just say Louis with a z sound and add iana (or perhaps yana).

[Slava]

"Louis".

Is that Lew-iss
or
Lew-ee?

[Perry Lassiter]

Short i. Lew-is.

[Philip Hudson]

Perry, How about "Lu-zee-A-nah"? I believe that's the redneck pronounciation in my neck of the woods. My Ferriday, LA kin say "Lu-ZA-nuh" to rhyme with "Suzannah". If I understand your pronounciation guide, I have never heard it the way you say it.

[Perry Lassiter]

I've heard it every which way, but still I contend that lewis-i-ana is correct Eng pron. I'm sure the French did something else with it.