Analysis of Pictorial and Multimodal Metaphors Used in Editorial Cartoons Created by the Saudi Cartoonist Abdullah Jaber

This study identifies and analyzes pictorial and multimodal metaphors used in the editorial cartoons created by the Saudi cartoonist Abdullah Jaber to depict the impact of smartphones and social media platforms on the lives of Saudis from 2011 until 2020. The internet, smartphones and social networking have reshaped the conventional means of communication and people’s understanding of interaction and conversation. Over the past few decades, the development of Conceptual Metaphor Theory and the distinction between monomodal and multimodal discourse have inspired academics to reinvestigate pictorial and multimodal metaphors. All editorial cartoons analyzed in this study were taken from the cartoonist’s accounts on Twitter and Instagram @jabertoon. The analysis reveals that multimodal verbo-pictorial metaphors are more common than monomodal pictorial ones, which facilitates viewers' interpretation of the cartoonist's intended meanings. Jaber’s artistic work is not meant only to entertain or amuse his readers; his cartoons are not supposed to be conveyed as merely comical works of art. Rather, he utilizes his cartoons to communicate messages and reflect values that users of social media platforms might overlook. His main interest is to highlight the potential consequences that can arise due to social media platforms. Besides, the analysis reveals the negative impact of smartphones and social media platforms on Saudi users, which is consistent with research findings. Further research is needed to explore and analyze the kinds of humor in Saudi editorial cartoons and examine Saudis’ perception and appreciation of humor and how it relates to audience background and exposure.