The introduction to ASD-STE100 has offered me some helpful insights into the theoretical background of this technical language standard. The STE rules are governed a logical flow of technical information. I would certainly recommend this course to writers who are interested in changing the way of technical writing with buy-in from the company. Overall, I have enjoyed Shumin's presentation!
Markus Burri, Project Manager ZetaVision GmbH
Frans has demonstrated that he is an expert in restricted languages and in particular ASD Simplified Technical English (STE). He has given successful presentations on the subject at S1000D User Forums that were very well received. He is an expert in developing systems that check conformance to restricted English standards.
Mike Day Business Advisor, Rolls-Royce Defense Aerospace
I worked with Frans on a project for translation for technical manuals. It was a pleasure to work with him and he was very professional. He responded to our queries quickly and informatively and he was an asset to have on the project, as he has a vast knowledge of technical translation. Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, On Time.
Juliette Grant International CH-47 Logistics Specialist, Boeing
This ASD-STE100 training course helped me better appreciate the objectives of Simplified Technical English from a technical writer's perspective. I like the fact that STE promotes the use of less complex sentence structures and does away with unnecessary words like: would, should, and might. The exercises in this course are certainly helped overcome my learning curve. STE should be the standard for any technical content written. Shumin comes across as a highly experienced STE trainer. I will recommend this STE training workshop to my colleagues!
Bert Riemens, Technical Author/ Document Management Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding
I would rate the introduction to ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English an 8 out of 10. Base on the STE presentation on rules, my favourite would be Rule 2.3 where you use an article (the, a, or an) or a demonstrative adjective (this, these) before a noun. The STE exercises provided in this workshop were of a very high standard and I would rate them 9/10. In terms of trainer evaluation, I would rate Shumin's training an 8 out of 10.
Rutger van Alphen de Veer Technical Writer, MAHLE Group
Shumin is a reference in the STE field. As a neophyte, I can hardly give you an advice. I regularly check your post on YouTube and I learn a lot from the videos and articles you post on the Internet. One word–continue. The best lesson I learnt is: Never use a long word where a short one will do. This rule forces the writer to be simple, yet concise. It is the golden rule of STE.
TCLoc Master's Student Master in Technical Communication and Localization
A very important and highlighted point during the introduction is that STE is an English language specification that is not only applicable for companies in the aerospace & defence industry. Rule 5.2 where you only have one instruction per sentence is important to us. Not being able to use the verb "CHECK' that is only used as an approved STE noun poses a challenge to me all the time. I really appreciate the STE writing rules that give us the possibility to improve the consistency of our documents.
The workshop exercises were of high interest value and drive home the point that it is important to learn by doing. Although a time-consuming process, the writing workshop impressed on me that the need to prioritise the analysis of our internal documents.
Shumin is a competent trainer who does not only focus on explaining and enforcing the "writing rules", but is always available to understand and empathise with the training needs of the class.
Marco Valtangoli Corporate Technical Author, Schindler Management
I am glad to say the STE course attended by team was really satisfactory. Feedback is very positive and we will be interested in repeating the experience in a near future. Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, On Time
Felix Donoso Translation Manager, arvato technical information S.L.
Frans Wijma has done excellent work for The Boeing Company in providing translation, translation system design, custom translation processing software, translation tool training, and translation system troubleshooting and tuning. He is familiar with the data structures of technical publications and has the ability to create solutions for interfacing the customers data with translation aid systems. Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert.
Shumin gave us a an all-rounded presentation to Simplified Technical English. Personally, rule 1.3: To use only approved words with their approved meaning holds the key to successful controlled language implementation. Rules 3.4, 3.6, 4.1, 5.3, and 5.5 are also among my favourites. The approved verb TO MAKE SURE THAT can come in very handy for technical writers as well. The presentation of STE rules offers quite a detailed overview that includes not only language rules but good, old technical authoring principles in general. It has been very helpful for us to learn and understand the concept of STE. I have found Shumin to be very competent in STE and will defnitely recommend her course!
Eric, Head of Corporate Technical Documentation (CTD) Schindler