The language of secessionist activism: Discourse and dialogue on Twitter1

Abstract

Nowadays, Twitter is used by politicians to communicate directly with citizens, due to the Internet’s ability not only to inform, but to establish a dialogue and mobilize publics. The present research explores the use of Twitter as a medium of communication and debate in the rise of the Catalan independence movement. To attain this objective, the official profile of the Generalitat’s ex-president Carles Puigdemont is studied during the month before the referendum date. Through a quantitative and qualitative analysis of his tweets, it is observed if he seeks to mobilize the audience, as well as influence their opinion on the right to decide, and their voting intention. In addition, we aim to approach the response he obtains from the social audience. Based on citizens’ reactions to his tweets, the research analyses these users’ impressions; whether they support the separatist theses, and if the consequent debate entails a tone of rupture or tension.