Analysis of the Use of Onomatopoeia in Miki wa Batut Comics

Abstract

This study analyzes the use of onomatopoeia in the Arabic comic "Miki wa Batut" (ميكى و بطوط: مواطن بطى نموذجى). The research aims to identify the types and functions of onomatopoeic expressions within the comic, based on the classification by Z.A. Petkova (2015). Utilizing a descriptive qualitative method, the study involved several steps: reading the comic to understand the meaning of onomatopoeic words, identifying the onomatopoeic expressions used by the characters, and categorizing them into four main types—animal sounds, natural sounds, inanimate object sounds, and human sounds. The data were analyzed both formally, using tables for clarity, and informally through narrative explanation. The findings revealed a total of 19 onomatopoeic instances, with human sounds being the most prevalent. The results demonstrate that onomatopoeia is a critical element in comics, enriching the narrative and enhancing the reader's experience by vividly depicting sounds and actions. This research underscores the importance of onomatopoeia in visual storytelling, especially in the context of Arabic comics