Æ is pronounced very close to e in echo, and when I read the English word encyclopædia I naturally pronounce it as described, confusing an American listener. ø or oe is pronounced as the German ö, also as a single sound.
As for why the word pronounce has an O between the two N’s and pronunciation does not, it is unclear, but both words derive from French, pronunciation from pronunciation and pronounce from pronuncier. There is probably some variation in the way the different word stress affected how the words were spelled after being borrowed into English.
MSN: Pronounce these 12 words and we’ll tell you where you’re from
When referring to a place where you keep your socks (as opposed to the word that refers to someone who draws, say, with a crayon), most Americans pronounce it as a single syllable that ends in the r ...
The Clarion Ledger on MSN: People in Mississippi can't say this word. Do you know the most mispronounced words in US?
People in Mississippi struggle to pronounce one word the most. What is it? Are you saying it wrong? See if you know the most mispronounced words in US ...
People in Mississippi can't say this word. Do you know the most mispronounced words in US?
The Independent: The most difficult words to pronounce in the English language revealed – as well as the world’s favourite English tongue-twisters
The most difficult words to pronounce in the English language revealed – as well as the world’s favourite English tongue-twisters
Digital Trends: Google Search can now teach you how to pronounce tricky words