Catalan

The Catalan people have existed in the northeastern region of Spain for over a thousand years. Their customs, identity, and language, form a culture different than that of the rest of Spain, making them a unique people, and an ethnic group of their own. With figures such as Salvador Dali and Antoni Gaudi, the Catalan people have been persecuted for hundreds of years under a Spanish regime that has attempted to diminish their culture, and treat them as no different than the rest of Spain. Recently however, Catalan people and their region Catalunya in Spain, have gained more autonomy and freedom to govern themselves and their territory. With an independence referendum set to take place in September of 2014, the idea of Catalan separatism and independence is as popular as ever. This paper will examine the aspects of cross cultural communication that are involved in the debate and discussion concerning Catalan separatism and the future of Catalunya and the Catalan people.

Ever since the Spanish Civil War of the 1930’s, discussions over separatism in Spain have been dealt with very carefully. When the Spanish Civil War ended in 1939, after 9 years of fighting, Francisco Franco took over control of the state. Under Franco’s regime, the Catalan people were suppressed. In cross cultural communication, this strategy of Franco can be compared to the concept of the ethnic tent. Franco, the leader of the tent, tried to unite all Spaniards under his common goals and ideals. However, Franco viewed the Catalans and their culture as a threat to his vision of a united Spain. The response of Franco was overreaction. Oftentimes this is how the leader of the ethnic tent responds to so-called “threats” from external parties or force...

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...ce catching them.

During Barcelona matches, independence flags are waved and chants for independència are called at 17:14 of each match. In the football world of Catalonia, FC Barcelona represents the Catalan people and Real Madrid represents Francoist/Nationalist Spain. The rivalry is heated and intense. When FC Barcelona wins, their victory acts almost as a chosen glory. Defeating Real Madrid to win a title can keep the Catalan ethnic tent strong, and give a victory for the Catalan cause worldwide. With an independence referendum coming to Catalunya in less than six months, the issue of Catalan separatism will begin to gain much more international attention and recognition. Catalunya and their people will continue to strive for more autonomy and freedom, backing themselves around a strong historic culture and an ultra competitive top tier football club.