Keep doing what you’re doing - it’s a good subject and a very helpful class! I like the list of approved words. This could really help clarify and harmonize the writing in an organization. My other favourite STE rule being: Do not write noun clusters of more than 3 nouns. It helps when reading and writing texts also outside of STE.
TCLoc Master's Programme Student University of Strasbourg
"No phrasal verbs" is my favorite rule. Forming phrasal verbs in the English language remains as one of my biggest challenges in English grammar. STE Rule 9.3 makes it easier for me to fully understand technical English sentences.
TCLoc Master's Student Technical Communication and Localization
My fave STE Rule 3.6 - Active voice, as it is easy to spot and I like to figure out how to transform the sentence from active into passive voice I also liked working with the dictionary and finding and replacing words, I guess that's Rule 1.2. Yes - great information! Definitely an interesting course delivered by Shumin. Simplified Technical English Rules 1.2 and 1.3 were challenging because to always apply the intended meaning of a word and to use it as the approved part of speech and to select the correct words present in the dictionary can be tricky, but it's the activity I liked the most.
Student at Master's TCLOoc in Technical Communication & Localisation. University of Strasbourg
The introduction was a good and concise way to familiarize yourself with STE basics. I’ve a background in plain language, so for example the rule on noun clusters makes perfect sense. I’m all about simplification, so substituting verbs like “eliminate” for verbs like “remove” or “stop” will be my new quest. The STE exercises were helpful in getting to grasp with STE during the training workshop. I'd very likely recommend this course to anyone planning to introduce STE as it’s got a great practical angle.
Jenni Virtaluoto, PhD Senior Lecturer, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Working with Shumin is a great pleasure because of her professional approach. Her knowledge of STE is excellent and with her pragmatic approach she helps companies to improve. Our trainees rated Shumin all with excellent. If you consider to train your staff in STE, I highly recommend Shumin.
Henk Wijnands Founding Partner & Commercial Director, Foxiz BV
I have worked with Frans for a number of years now, first as a collaborator and later, alas, as a competitor. I have no hesitation in recommending him for his abilities as a linguist, polyglot, and technical innovator. In addition, he is an accomplished speaker, and a great salesman for his products. As someone who works closely with the ASD Simplified Technical English writing standard, I have been impressed with the breadth and depth of his knowledge of that subject. He is a world leader in the implementation of Controlled Language processes. So I am very happy to endorse him.
Rick Wojcik Associate Technical Fellow, Boeing
Shumin did a very good job of explaining how the compliance in a language standard like STE varies from one industry to another, and is nothing like the law that enforces strict rules based on deterrence. Rather, it is a user-friendly standard that writers can turn to in times of need for consistency and standardising. My favourite STE rule is simply to use only approved technical words with the correct meaning and part of speech assigned.
Noldi Odermatt, Geschäftsführer / Partner Aceon AG
The information presented was clear and succinct. Exercises provided helped me understand and grasp the concept of Simplified English from the very beginning of the training. A 10/10 rating from me. When it comes to rules about Simplified English writing, I very much like the use of active voice, having a list of approved verbs as a useful resource, and the encouraged use of pronouns (you, we, it, them). To me, clear rules are the bedrock of consistent text and document creation.
I've found the STE exercises very useful since the examples in them are well focussed and cover issues we encounter in our daily work. Overall, I have found this training workshop to be well-structured, Shumin came well prepared, was well organised, clear & an easy speaker to follow. Thank you for the great training!
Sylvia Helfenstein Technical author, proofreader, Penpoint Text Editing Services GmbH
The introduction to Simplified Technical English (STE) was simple to follow and understand. Rule 1.4 to use only the approved forms of verbs and adjectives from the STE dictionary is something that I appreciate very much. Applying the rules faithfully was a challenging albeit enjoyable process. There is a lot of good writing rules to learn here. I've found the exercises to be very useful for learning reinforcement, and they have helped me to apply STE rules in a more efficient manner and I've gained a much better understanding of STE as a result. Shumin's training methodology is easy to follow, and she offers us great technical writing advice and has simplified the process for us. Every aspect of this training is a 10/10 for me.
Nour Bazuhair Engineer Trainee, NIMR Automotive
I find that STE rule 2.1 extremely useful in technical documentation to avoid ambiguity. Rule 3.6 is one of my favorites because you need to master well syntax and language to always avoid passive voice. It was a good excercise, thanks Shumin for this interesting and challenging topic!
Master's student, TCLoc for Technical Communication & Localisation University of Strasbourg
