How do you pronounce Seville and Malaga in Spanish? Do the spaniards say "se BEE ya" or "se VEE ya" or what? Is the "a" in Malaga similar to the "o" in "molly" or what? (I know the first syllable gets the accent.) Also, gracias is pronounced with a bit of a "th" sound, right?

I can't help much with prononciation but regarding accent these are the strong syllabes:

se-VI-lla
MÁ-la-ga
GRA-cias

Pronunciation in spanish is easier than in english: letters and syllabes are always pronounce the same way (with a couple of exception).

That way, if you learn to pronounce syllabes separately you will be able to pronounce 99% of the words in spanish.

Fernando

My Spanish teacher has told me that the letter V in Spanish is always pronounced as the English B and she scolded me for not doing this.

The v and the b in spanish should always be pronounced in the same way. This sometimes make people confuse the spelling of some words, but the Real Academia has been clear in this.

Fernando

Gracias to both of you for your help!

When I first started learning Spanish, years ago, I was told that the sound of the Spanish V was sort of halfway between the English V and B, something I found difficult.

I know how it's supposed to be pronounced but I have often heard Sevillanos calling their city: 'Say' 'vee' 'ja.'

So I imitate their pronunciation.

well, shoot - maybe I'll just pronounce it any old way - after all, everyone will know I'm just a tourist ANYWAY!!!

You'll be fine - anyway, Spaniards are always eager to help out non Spaniards who are learning their language.