The one last element of significance to discuss regarding markedness is the power of pattern recognition (the posts on markedness begin here). I make the point in the introduction of the Discourse Grammar (sec. 1.4) that most devices that are used to assign prominence exploit an established pattern or expectation of some kind. When the pattern is broken, when the expectation is unmet, the element that brings this about end up standing out. BTW, since it is Valentine’s Day, beware of not meeting expectations! This is not the kind of way that you want to stand out. Be sure to stand out in a good way.

Below is a video clip from America’s Funniest Videos that I used at Knox to illustrate the power of patterns. In this instance, the break in the pattern has the effect of increasing the comical element, though we all undoubtedly have heaps of compassion for the poor critter at the end, right? But here’s my point (forward-pointing reference for dramatic build-up): if the video had only shown the last sheep, I doubt it would have made the cut to appear on the program. Without the first two sheep, we would have been left on our own to know what to expect. Without the proper expectation, you would not have the same degree of contrast, meaning the last sheep would not have stood out so starkly. The power of establish patterns is what brings about this effect. The first two sheep explicitly establish a pattern that is broken in a big way by the last one. Hence, it stands out. We will be applying this same principle regarding expectations in explaining why and how it is that the historical present stands out as it does.

The next video contains a panda sneezing. The same principles are at work. The long pause while you wait for something to happen establishes a pattern. Even though you are expecting a sneeze, you do not know which one will do it. The effect, the sneeze stands out all the more when it happens, and is all the more funny because of the long pause.

I bet you never guessed that discourse principles could parse humor! It is powerful stuff, and has to do with how God has wired us to process things, beit grammar of YouTube videos.

With a basic foundation in place, we will next look at insights that can be gained from traditional explanations of the historical present. A few babies need to be brought back into the building that were hucked out the window with the bath water. This will be my next task. Rescuing babies sounds much more noble than a literature review, doesn’t it?