How is the name of the capital of Kentuky properly pronounced? Loo-iss-ville, or Loo-ee-ville?

Question

I'll leave this open for a day, or so (unless I get too impatient), to see what answers I get, then I'll tell you what is "proper".

Answer 1

First of all the capital of Kentucky is Frankfort.  As for Louisville, natives pronounce it LOO-uh-vull.  same for NASH-vull....Technically the question is invalid, because I've never heard of any place called KENTUKY

Answer 2

I've always said Loo-ee-ville. It seems like it depends, but the "s" is always silent.

Pronunciation

Most native residents pronounce the city's name /ˈluːǝvǝl/. The name is often pronounced far back in the mouth, in the top of the throat. The standard English pronunciation, however, is /ˈluːiːvɪl/ (info) (referring to King Louis XVI, for whom the city is named), which is often utilized by political leaders and the media. No matter how Louisville is pronounced, the 's' is always silent.

The variability of the local pronunciation of the city's name can perhaps be laid at the feet of the city's location on the border between the Northern and Southern regions of the United States. Louisville's diverse population has traditionally represented elements of both Northern and Southern culture.

Regional migration patterns and the homogenization of dialect due to electronic media also may be responsible for the incidence of native-born Louisvillians adopting or affecting the standard English pronunciation. Nevertheless, the ['luːǝvǝl] pronunciation is most popular among residents and is, with few exceptions, used by news and sports reporters.

Answer 3

I always thought it was "loo-iss-ville" but "loo-ee-ville" was just a nick name.

Answer 4

Frank fort

Answer 5

The natives pronouce it Loo-ee-ville.