The seemingly minor difference between “journalling” and “journaling” often sparks confusion and debate among writers, editors, and even casual users of the English language. This article will delve into the nuances of these two spellings, exploring their origins, etymological roots, and current usage trends to definitively answer which spelling is correct and why.
Understanding the etymology of “journal” is crucial to unraveling the spelling variations. The word “journal” itself originates from the Old French word “jornal,” meaning “daily.” This, in turn, derives from the Latin “diurnalis,” also meaning “daily,” from “dies,” meaning “day.”
The act of keeping a journal, a record of daily events or thoughts, has a long and rich history. From personal diaries of historical figures to the systematic logs of scientific observations, the concept of journaling has been a constant throughout human civilization.
The English language, in its evolution, has a tendency to adopt words from other languages and adapt them, sometimes leading to variations in spelling and pronunciation. This is precisely what happened with the word “journal” and its derived forms.
The Origins of the Double ‘L’
The spelling “journalling” with a double ‘l’ is often considered the more traditional or perhaps older form in certain English-speaking regions. This spelling aligns with a pattern observed in other English words where a final consonant is doubled before adding a suffix, especially when the stress falls on the final syllable of the root word. Words like “travel” becoming “travelling” and “cancel” becoming “cancelling” often follow this rule, though exceptions abound.
In the case of “journal,” the stress is typically on the first syllable (“JOUR-nal”). This might suggest that the doubling of the ‘l’ in “journalling” is less of a strict adherence to phonetic rules and more of a stylistic or historical preference that has persisted.
Historically, both spellings have appeared in literature and dictionaries. The choice between them often depended on regional conventions and the specific editorial guidelines of publishers. This ambiguity has contributed to the ongoing discussion about which spelling is definitively “correct.”
The Rise of the Single ‘L’
Conversely, “journaling” with a single ‘l’ has gained significant traction and is now widely accepted, and often preferred, in contemporary English. This spelling is generally considered simpler and more phonetic, reflecting a trend in modern English towards simplification and regularity in spelling.
The adoption of “journaling” can be attributed to several factors, including the influence of American English, which often favors simpler spellings, and the increasing globalization of language, where dominant forms tend to spread.
Many style guides and dictionaries now list “journaling” as the primary or even the sole acceptable spelling. This shift reflects a broader linguistic evolution, where usage patterns heavily influence what is considered standard or correct.
American English vs. British English
The distinction between American and British English is a significant factor in this spelling debate. Historically, American English has often diverged from British English in its spelling preferences, frequently opting for simpler, more phonetic spellings.
In the United States, “journaling” is overwhelmingly the preferred and standard spelling. This is evident in most American dictionaries, style guides, and everyday usage across media and publications.
While “journalling” might still be encountered in British English contexts, even there, the single ‘l’ spelling is becoming increasingly common and accepted. The lines between regional spellings are blurring due to global communication and the widespread influence of American media and digital platforms.
Dictionaries and Style Guides: The Arbiters of Correctness
The definitive answer to which spelling is correct often lies with authoritative dictionaries and style guides. These resources are designed to reflect current language usage and provide guidance on standard spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Major dictionaries like Merriam-Webster (American English) and Oxford English Dictionary (which covers both British and American English, noting variations) are crucial references. Merriam-Webster lists “journaling” as the primary spelling, with “journalling” as a variant. The OED acknowledges both but often prioritizes the more common usage in its primary entries.
Prominent style guides, such as The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook and The Chicago Manual of Style, also play a vital role. These guides are followed by journalists, publishers, and academics worldwide. Both AP and Chicago style generally favor “journaling” as the standard spelling.
The Etymological Rationale
To understand the spelling, it’s helpful to look at the general rules for adding suffixes like “-ing” to words ending in ‘l’. The rule of thumb for many English words is to double the final consonant if the preceding vowel is short and the stress is on the final syllable. For example, “stop” becomes “stopping,” and “begin” becomes “beginning.”
However, “journal” has the stress on the first syllable (“JOUR-nal”). According to strict phonetic rules for English suffixation, the ‘l’ would not typically be doubled. This linguistic principle lends stronger support to the spelling “journaling.”
The “journalling” spelling might be seen as an analogy to other words that do double their final ‘l’, or perhaps a holdover from an earlier period of English orthography where such doubling was more common or less standardized. Nevertheless, modern linguistic analysis and common usage lean towards the simpler form.
Practical Applications and Usage Examples
When deciding which spelling to use, consider your audience and the context. If you are writing for a predominantly American audience or adhering to a specific style guide like AP or Chicago, “journaling” is the clear choice.
For instance, a blog post about the benefits of daily reflection would likely use the term “digital journaling” or “creative journaling.” Similarly, a research paper on the therapeutic effects of keeping a personal journal would refer to “therapeutic journaling.”
If you are working with a publication that has a specific preference for the double ‘l’ spelling, or if you are quoting older texts where it appears, then “journalling” might be appropriate. However, in most contemporary writing, it’s best to stick to the more widely accepted form.
Creative Writing and Personal Expression
In the realm of creative writing and personal expression, consistency is often more important than adhering to a strict rule, especially if the author has a personal preference. Many writers who keep personal journals might naturally gravitate towards one spelling over the other based on what they’ve seen or what feels right to them.
However, for publication, even in creative contexts, adhering to established style guides becomes important for professionalism and readability. A novel discussing the protagonist’s habit of “journalling” her thoughts might use the double ‘l’ if the author or editor has a specific reason, but “journaling” is the more common choice.
The act itself—the writing, reflection, and documentation—remains the same regardless of the spelling. The goal is to capture thoughts, experiences, and insights, whether through traditional pen and paper or digital applications.
Business and Academic Contexts
In business and academic settings, clarity and adherence to standard conventions are paramount. This is where the guidance from dictionaries and style guides becomes most influential.
For example, a business proposing a new “journaling app” would undoubtedly use the single ‘l’ spelling to appeal to the broadest audience and appear modern and professional. Academic research on the history of diaries would likely use “journaling” when referring to the practice in a general sense, while perhaps noting historical instances of “journalling” if discussing specific older texts.
The consistent use of “journaling” in these professional environments reinforces its status as the standard spelling. It avoids potential confusion or the perception of outdated or idiosyncratic usage.
The Evolution of Language and Spelling
Language is not static; it is a living entity that constantly evolves. Spelling conventions are particularly susceptible to change, influenced by technological advancements, cultural shifts, and the natural tendency towards simplification.
The shift from “journalling” to “journaling” is a prime example of this linguistic evolution. It reflects a broader trend in English towards more phonetic and less arbitrarily doubled consonants in derived words.
This ongoing evolution means that what is considered “correct” today might be different in the future. However, for the present, established usage and authoritative sources provide a clear direction.
The Impact of Digital Media
The digital age has accelerated the spread of language trends. The internet, social media, and digital publishing platforms have created a more homogenized linguistic landscape, particularly in English.
Online content creation and the sheer volume of digital text have amplified the prevalence of certain spellings. “Journaling” has benefited from this widespread digital exposure, becoming the dominant form encountered online.
This digital ubiquity further solidifies “journaling” as the de facto standard for most writers and readers in the 21st century. It’s the spelling most likely to be recognized and understood without question.
Conclusion: The Verdict on Journalling vs. Journaling
After examining the etymology, historical usage, regional variations, and the influence of dictionaries and style guides, the conclusion is clear.
While “journalling” with a double ‘l’ is not inherently “wrong” and may still be encountered, particularly in older texts or specific regional contexts, “journaling” with a single ‘l’ is the overwhelmingly preferred, standard, and widely accepted spelling in modern English.
Therefore, for contemporary writing, especially in professional, academic, and mass-market contexts, **journaling** is the correct and recommended spelling. This choice aligns with current linguistic trends, the recommendations of authoritative sources, and the practical needs of clear and effective communication in a globalized world.