Lexical items containing both “q” and “h” often adhere to specific orthographic conventions. These letters typically appear as the digraph “qu,” representing a single phoneme, usually /kw/ as in “queen” or /k/ before /w/ as in “choir.” Occasionally, “q” and “h” appear separately within a word, as in “qat” and its derivatives, or “Ishq,” illustrating borrowing from other languages.
Understanding these patterns provides insights into etymology and language evolution. The “qu” combination reflects historical sound changes and borrowings, particularly from French and Latin. Recognizing these influences enhances vocabulary comprehension and spelling proficiency. The less frequent separate occurrence of “q” and “h” underscores the dynamic nature of language and its capacity to absorb external influences.