Pronunciation of Proper Nouns

[savozaul]

On several occasions I have heard English teachers and others state: "A proper noun can be pronounced in more than one way." Is this really true? If so, could anyone please point me to an authoritative reference to such a rule of the English language?

Other observations and comments on this topic are also welcome.

Thank you.

- Savozaul

[rats]

when i teach english i prefer to pronounce the proper nouns the way it is spoken in that area. however it's not always possible. each country has it's own way of pronouncing the word. sometimes it's easier to pronounce it using your regoinal accent so that the students dont make spelling mistakes.
of course i may be wrong but let's see what others have to say.
rats