Hyperbole in the Images' Captions of Arabic YouTube Videos: A Cognitive Study

Abstract

The primary objective of the current research was to examine the use of hyperbole in the captions accompanying Arabic YouTube video images. To accomplish this objective, a random selection of 200 YouTube captions was made from the Arabic YouTube homepage. The analysis revealed that 70% of the captions included at least one instance of hyperbole. Furthermore, all forms of hyperbole were identified in the selected sample, except for repetition and comparative hyperbole. Additionally, it was discovered that all the forms of hyperbole in the sample, similar to metaphors, could be cognitively analyzed. For each hyperbole, the source domain and the target domain were investigated. In order to explore viewers' perception of the cognitive aspects of hyperbole, a questionnaire was developed. The results showed that 91% of the participants were able to recognize the cognitive features of hyperbole, and 86% of them indicated that the cognitive analysis of hyperbole in Arabic YouTube captions increased their inclination to watch the captioned videos. The current study's findings may serve as guidance for YouTube video makers since cognitive analysis of hyperbole may improve YouTube video views.