I lived in MA for a few years. Some places are spelled one way, but pronounced differently. I caught a couple of those names last weekend in Macon.
The ' in the names below is the dominant syllable.
Woburn: Say as Woo'-bin
Lechmere: Say as Leech'-meer
other MA places that can throw you for a loop (see http://www.worcestermass.com/pronounce for a more complete list):
Leominster: Say as Lem'-in-stir
Worcester: Say as Woos'-ter
Natick: Say as Neigh'-tic
Newton: Say as Newt'-un
Pepperell: Say as Pep'-ril
Reading: Say as Red'-ing
Stoneham: Say as Stone'-m
How about proper pronucation of Concord?
Con' curd
Conquered.....but it wasn't.
Are we learning how to pronounce these names from someone that likes to Pahk the Cah at Hahvad Yahd then go have a couple be-ahs at the bah? :)
**)