The word "attache" is an interesting spelling anomaly in the English language. It is pronounced as /əˈtæʃeɪ/ or "uh-tash-ay" in IPA phonetic transcription. While it may appear to be spelled with two "t's", the correct spelling only includes one. The word originated from the French term "attaché", meaning "attached" or "attached person." As the word was adopted into English, it was simplified and the spelling changed. Nevertheless, it remains an important and widely used term in diplomatic and government circles.
An attaché refers to a government official who is appointed to a foreign embassy or consulate in order to provide expertise and support on specific areas of responsibility. This individual typically serves as a liaison between their home country and the host nation in order to facilitate communication and cooperation.
The attaché position is usually held by an individual who possesses specialized knowledge in a particular field, such as economics, military affairs, education, culture, or trade. They are entrusted with the task of gathering and analyzing information related to their area of expertise and advising their home government accordingly. Additionally, attachés usually participate in diplomatic negotiations, conferences, and meetings, representing their country's stance on the matters at hand.
Furthermore, attachés may also be responsible for promoting and maintaining bilateral relations between the two countries by organizing cultural events, educational exchanges, or trade exhibitions. They are tasked with fostering mutual understanding and collaboration in order to enhance diplomatic ties.
In summary, an attaché can be seen as an official representative of a government in a foreign country, specializing in a specific field. They play a vital role in facilitating communication and cooperation between nations, providing subject matter expertise, and nurturing bilateral relationships.
One attached to an ambassador as one of his suite or attendants.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "attaché" comes from the French verb "attacher", which means "to attach" or "to tie up". It originally referred to someone who is attached or connected to a diplomatic mission or embassy in a subordinate capacity. The term was first used in this sense in the mid-18th century.