Publications

Publication details [#161]

Cano Mora, Laura. 2004. At the risk of exaggerating: How do listeners react to hyperbole? Anglogermánica Online 2003-2004 : 13–25. 13 pp.
Publication type
Article in journal
Publication language
English

Abstract

According to the author, the study of hearers' verbal reaction to non-literal language has been systematically overlooked. Framed within a discourse analysis approach, the present paper explores the role of conversational interactivity in hyperbole construction and comprehension. In so doing, the author not only addresses the production process of exaggerated remarks in naturally occurring conversations extracted from the British National Corpus (BNC), but also the listeners' response, which also allows to contribute to the emergence of a figurative frame. In conclusion, the aim of this article is to highlight the collaborative nature of hyperbole. Additionally, Cano notes that the trope under scrutiny may be considered as a low-risk figure given that the chances of misunderstanding are fairly low.