I'm pretty sure all "civilized" languages have them. I think it's great, it gives the language more flavor. Plus they might have minor/major...
No it is not, we pronounce it like the Norweigians spell it. :p
I don't really have anything intelligent to say, other than it is the same in Danish, incase you're interested. Hear = Høre Ear = Øre EDIT: Oh and...
Oh shut up, you love the attention. :)
Separate names with a comma.