The digraph “che” represents a specific sound in the English language, typically at the end of words of French or Italian origin. Examples include niche (a specialized segment), cloche (a bell-shaped cover), and planche (a gymnastic maneuver). These spellings often reflect the original pronunciation and etymology of the borrowed terms.
Preserving these spellings maintains a connection to the words’ origins and contributes to the richness and diversity of the English lexicon. Understanding the significance of such orthographic features enhances one’s appreciation of the language’s evolution and its absorption of foreign influences. This knowledge can also aid in pronunciation and vocabulary acquisition.