Introduction

Peculiarly, the historical present or dramatic present involves the employment of present tense when discussing past events. This technique is not exclusive to English, but it is widely recognized for its unique ability to immerse the listener or reader in a specific narrative moment, making the event feel vivid and immediate.

The Purpose of Historical Present

Why do some people choose to use the present tense when talking about bygone events? The choice to use the present tense can be attributed to several factors. One common reason is that the past event continues to have an impact in the present. In such cases, using the present tense reinforces the ongoing relevance of the past event to the current context.

Another reason is to heighten the dramatic impact of the narrative. By using the present tense, the speaker can evoke a sense of immediacy, making the listener feel as if the event is still unfolding. This technique is particularly effective in storytelling, where the speaker aims to engage the audience more deeply with the narrative.

Example of Historical Present in Conversation

Imagine this scenario:

You won't believe what happened to me yesterday!

What happened?

Imagine this: I am walking down the street when I look up at the sky and I see these bright lights moving across the horizon. I was so scared I stopped in my tracks.

What...

Notice how the present tense ("I am walking," "I look up," "I see," "I was so scared") makes the story feel as if it is unfolding right in front of the listener. This technique not only makes the narrative more engaging but also helps the audience feel more connected to the scene being described.

Impact of Historical Present in Different Contexts

The use of present tense in describing past events is not limited to spoken narratives. It is also commonly seen in written works, particularly in genres like detective novels. Here, the historical present can create suspense, making the reader feel as if they are part of the unfolding story, experiencing the events alongside the characters.

For example, in a detective novel, the historical present can be used to describe the protagonist's discovery of clues. As the protagonist uncovers each piece of evidence, the use of present tense can make the scene feel immediate and suspenseful, just as the protagonist experiences them.

The Historical Present Beyond English

While the historical present is a common narrative device in English, it is not unique to the language. It is used in various languages and cultures to enhance storytelling and reporting. For instance, news reports often employ the historical present to convey immediacy and keep the audience engaged with the unfolding events.

The Role of Audience Engagement

The primary goal of using the historical present is to engage the audience more deeply. By making the past event feel as if it is happening right now, the speaker or writer can create a more powerful emotional connection with the listener or reader. This technique is particularly effective in storytelling and reporting, where maintaining audience attention is crucial.

Peculiar Examples and References

It's worth noting that in some cases, using the historical present can be quite subtle. For instance, when someone tells a joke in the past tense, it can lose the shared sense of expectation created by the telling. However, when told in the present tense, it can bring that sense of immediacy and expectation back to the story, making it more engaging.

Add to this another interesting case: when someone refers to a famous slogan associated with the city of Las Vegas, the historical present can add an extra layer of impact. Instead of saying, "The city that never sleeps," you might say, "The city that never sleeps." This slight rephrasing can emphasize the present relevance of the slogan, reinforcing the idea that Las Vegas stands as a symbol of never-ending excitement and activity.

Conclusion

Using the historical present is a powerful narrative technique that can significantly enhance storytelling and reporting. Whether it's in conversation, writing, or even more subtle references, the present tense transforms past events into vivid, memorable moments. By immersing the audience in the scene, the historical present creates a connection that can last long after the story has ended.