The The similarities in the speeches of pro-independence leaders in Catalonia and Scotland. Classical rhetoric in presidents Puigdemont and Salmond

Abstract

This study addresses the analysis of the independence speech in Catalonia and Scotland based on classical rhetoric. The periods studied have been determined taking into account the high points for independence that were, on the one hand, the referendum declared illegal in 2017 in Catalonia and, on the other hand, the referendum on Scottish independence in 2014. The methodology is based on classical rhetoric, particularly the works of Aristotle and Cicero, as well as the treatise Rhetoric to Herennius. The official speeches of the respective presidents of pro-independence governments, the Catalan Carles Puigdemont and the Scottish Alex Salmond (n=45), were subjected to analysis. The speeches show relevant and sometimes striking similarities, for example, in terms of genre and structure, although there are also some differences, for example, in terms of logos. The similarity between Puigdemont’s and Salmond’s speeches is explained by the fact that the milestone for both politicians is the same: the independence of their territory. The Catalan president’s speeches are more aggressive towards the central state than those of his Scottish counterpart, especially because of the different circumstances in which the referendums in Catalonia and Scotland took place.