journaux

Journaux is the French plural of journal. In French usage, the term most commonly denotes newspapers—periodical publications that present news, analysis, and culture to the public. The word can also refer to journals in the sense of daily records, but when referring to personal diaries the standard expression is journal intime (plural journaux intimes).

Etymology: journal comes from Old French journal, from Latin diurnarium 'daily,' from diurnus 'daily.' The English word journal shares this origin. In French, the singular journal can mean either a newspaper or a diary, depending on context, while journaux almost always means newspapers in contemporary usage.

Historical development: In early modern Europe, printed periodicals emerged to report current events and debates. French and other European journals flourished in the 17th through 19th centuries, giving rise to modern national dailies such as Le Figaro and Le Monde. The term journal also referred to official government gazettes in some contexts. With the late 20th century advent of the internet, many journals shifted to online editions, subscription models, and digital journalism while preserving traditional printed versions in many regions.

Contemporary use: Journaux remain central to public discourse in francophone regions. They vary in political alignment, ownership, and business models; many are part of larger media groups and offer both national and regional coverage. In addition to news reporting, journals publish editorials, op-eds, and cultural reviews, contributing to the diversity of print and online media.