How do I pronounce those two words in bold letters?

Question

"Eleanor es mi mejor amiga."

"Raquel lee** el periódico."

Eleanor is my friend in real life and she is British. Should I call her "Leonor" or just call her "Eleanor" with English phonetics?" She would not feel like the individual she is if I call her "Leonor."

Do I pronounce the "ee" in "lee" as EE (like in "bEE") or AY (like in "bAY")?

Thanks in advance

I forgot to ask about one other word. The dictionary on this site pronounces "viajar" with an English "v" sound (like in "vehicle"). However, other sites tell me that in Spanish, "v" is pronounced like a "b" (both a strong "b" and soft "b") - Yoodle15, Feb 1, 2012

Formally, the pronunciation of the Spanish "v" is supposed to be like that of "b", but perhaps with a bit more subtle, depending on who is doing the talking. But there are definitely regional variations . . . - Xocoyote, Feb 1, 2012

I could be wrong, but I think the "v" vs "b" sound depends a lot on the region. Latin America is closer to the "b" and Spain is closer to the "v". Natives, your input? :) - hollyjollyberry, Feb 1, 2012

. . . where I go in rural Mexico, all the locals pronounce "v" like "v" in "victor" and not like "bv" as I was taught. - Xocoyote, Feb 1, 2012

Answer 1

The English pronunciation is usually just three syllables: Ell-uh-nor, with the first syllable stressed. I always just ask people, "How do you pronounce your name?"

Answer 2

Eh - leh - o - nor

Leh - o - nor

Leh - eh

Would that do?