Pronunciation of 
This syllable, has absolutely
no counterpart in English.
One book says it's a "reduced schwa." That helps a lot, doesn't it?! They say to
pronounce it like "uh-ee" said together quickly.
One web reference had the following formula, which I really like:
- Put your lips in position to say "ee". Your lips will be stretched horizontally
and you'll be smiling (that's why photographers tell you to say "cheese.").
- Keep your lips in the "ee" position.
- With the rest of your mouth, say "oo".
- Out comes this weird sound, but it's the one you want.
Step three is the hardest part. When you say "oo" your lips just want to spring
back to a round O shape out of habit. You may actually have to hold your lips
in place with your thumb and index finger the first few times you try this.