The SENSE Conference is a one-day event in Utrecht, the Netherlands, for English language professionals. Participants come from the fields of editing, translating, interpreting, copywriting and teaching English language communication skills.

More than 10 top speakers, from inside and outside SENSE, will hold presentations and discussions during the conference. Participants will be able to debate on the changing state of the language, learn from best practices and brush up on the skills needed to be a successful language professional.

Paus Huize 

 

Keynote speakers

Professor Geoffrey Pullum is a British-American linguist specialising in the study of English. Since 2009 he has been Professor of General Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh. Pullum is co-author of The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language (2002). He is also a regular contributor to Language Log, a collaborative linguistics weblog.

Mark Forsyth is a passionate, self-described pedant when it comes to the English language, but his detailed knowledge of history has given him a common-sense approach to its ‘proper’ use. He is an author, blogger, journalist, proofreader and ghostwriter. He can be found dispelling the grammar myths we were all taught in his popular blog The Inky Fool.

 

Programme

Delegates should arrive between 9.00 and 9.30 am to register and enjoy a coffee and some informal networking.

Time
Event
9.00-9.30
Registration, coffee
9.30-9.45
Opening & announcements
9.45-10.45
Plenary speaker: Mark Forsyth
Let us go then, you and me - A trip through English grammar
10.45-11.15
Coffee break
11.15-12.30
DATA SECURITY
Freek Wallaart
They’re out there, they know about you and they’re selling your life: the truth about data security
SOCIAL MEDIA
Susan Aretz
The power of social media
FIT AT YOUR DESK
Leonie Porton
Stop sitting on the problem
David McKay
Treadmill desks for translators
Ann Hodgkinson
Yoga at your desk
EDITING FOR CLIENTS IN ACADEMIA (UniSIG)
Camilla Brokking
Ethics of thesis editing
Jackie Senior
Working as an in-house scientific editor
Curtis Barrett
Helping students source funding
Joy Burrough
SENSE’s Thesis Editing Guidelines
12.30-13.30
Lunch
13.30-14.30
SINGING
Robert Coupe, David Barick
& Barbara Borden
The sense of singing
CLIENTS
Nigel Saych
Keeping your clients happy
Sally Hill
Building your business through your network
CORPORA
Mary Ellen Kerans
General and specific corpora with online concordance tools: quick information to help resolve doubts about language use
BIOMEDICAL
Daphne Lees
The running rectum trial: the challenges of medical editing
 
David Alexander & Hannah Dekker
Taking the walk: helping non-native speakers to present scientific posters successfully
EDITING
Lee Ann Weeks
So you think you can edit?
 
Jackie Senior & Kate Mc Intyre
Share your expertise with fellow professionals: mentoring in practice
TRANSLATION
Marcel Lemmens & Tony Parr
Still trying to cook without recipes?
14.45-15.45
Plenary speaker: Professor Geoffrey Pullum
English: the language that ate the world
15.45-16.15
Tea break + exhibits
16.15-17.30
Plenary Panel Discussion chaired by Professor Mike Hannay (panellists t.b.a.)
Editors, translators and teachers as gatekeepers of the language
17.30-17.45
Close
17.45-18.15
Drinks - for delegates, speakers & presenters
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Breakout Presentations 

 

Keynote speakers

Professor Geoffrey Pullum is a British-American linguist specializing in the study of English. Since 2009 he has been Professor of General Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh. Professor Pullum is co-author of The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language (2002). He is also a regular contributor to Language Log, a collaborative linguistics weblog.

Mark Forsyth is a passionate, self-described pedant when it comes to the English language, but his detailed knowledge of history has given him a common-sense approach to its ‘proper’ use. He is an author, blogger, journalist, proof reader and ghostwriter. He can be found dispelling the grammar myths we were all taught in his popular blog The Inky Fool. 

 

 

 N E W  Jubilee Conference Souvenir 

The SENSE Jubilee Conference was a one-day event especially for people working in the fields of English-language editing, translating, interpreting, copywriting and teaching communication skills. 

If you were lucky enough to have been there on the day, you'll know what a wonderful success the conference turned out to be. If you couldn't make it, or perhaps would like to gain an idea of what the next SENSE conference might be like, download this special issue of our house magazine commemorating the conference — eSense 25th Jubilee Souvenir, 2015.

Yes, it was all happening at the SENSE Jubilee Conference in the Paushuize, a memorable historical venue in the heart of one of the Netherland’s most picturesque cities: Utrecht. See for yourself... download your Jubilee Souvenir now!

 

What others say about SENSE events

‘I would definitely recommend the workshop to other editors and translators’ – Review of Professor Mike Hannay’s workshop Information Packaging for SENSE.

‘I came away with a number of valuable new connections …. and a real sense (no pun intended) of the importance of this community to its members – myself included’ – new member after attending social event.

‘The workshop had something for everyone …. there was so much valuable information to absorb’ – review of Lee Ann Weeks’ workshop Elements of Professional Editing for SENSE.

‘The main message that I picked up was that for those of us working at the coalface, and often in "Globish" or international English, it is more important to be clear than be correct’ – review of Panel Discussion on Prescriptivism.

 

 

Professor Geoffrey Pullum is a British-American linguist specialising in the study of English. Since 2009 he has been Professor of General Linguistics at the University of Edinburgh. Professor Pullum is co-author of The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language (2002). He is also a regular contributor to Language Log, a collaborative linguistics weblog.

Read the article GK Pullum on Myths about passives in our eSense magazine.

Mark Forsyth is a passionate, self-described pedant when it comes to the English language, but his detailed knowledge of history has given him a common-sense approach to its ‘proper’ use. He is an author, blogger, journalist, proof reader and ghostwriter. He can be found dispelling the grammar myths we were all taught in his popular blog The Inky Fool.

An interesting read in our eSense magazine: Mark Forsyth answers six questions 

Paushuize

Situated on Kromme Nieuwegracht 49, just behind Utrecht’s landmark Dom tower and about 15 minutes’ walk from Utrecht Central Station, Paushuize is one of the oldest and most outstanding monuments in the city of Utrecht, with a remarkable history. It is so named because it was built in 1517 by Paus (Pope) Adrian VI, the only Dutch pope from the Netherlands.

A variety of beautifully restored period rooms and splendidly decorated salons, makes the building one of the most sought-after venues in the Netherlands.

Read an article about the venue in our eSense magazine: Conference venue is fit for a pope

 

Utrecht

Utrecht, the fourth largest city in the Netherlands, is the beating heart of the country and at the hub of the rail network.  It’s a vital city, with a large student population: its university (founded in 1636) is the largest in the Netherlands. The medieval city centre is small enough to explore on foot and large enough to boast a wealth of culture and history, including world-class festivals, modern architecture, trendy shops and interesting museums. The inner city canals are unique: they are accessible by steps from the street and their wharves are now used as terraces by the many cellar bars and restaurants.

 

How to get there

By public transport

There are frequent trains from Amsterdam Schiphol airport to Utrecht. Journey time is about 30 minutes.

Train to Utrecht Central Station and then on foot (15+ minutes):

From the main concourse of Utrecht Central Station follow the signs to ‘Centrum' but almost immediately after the check-out points take the escalator down to the right. It says Busstation B. At the end bear left towards the bus platforms. Walk down the bus platforms to the end (marked B3).Turn left and after about a hundred metres cross the main road (Catharijnesingel). Continue straight ahead. At the T-junction (Mariaplaats) turn right. Take the first left (after 50 metres: Zadelstraat) and walk towards the Dom tower. Walk through the passage under the tower, turn right and then take the first left (Trans). At the end of the street you will see the corner of the Paushuize slightly to the left at the junction of Pausdam and Kromme Nieuwegracht.The main entrance is usually across the first bridge on Kromme Nieuwegracht (no. 49) but sometimes on Pausdam (no. 10). 

Train to Utrecht Central Station and then by bus:

From the station take bus 2 ‘Museumlijn’. This is a circular line, so you can’t go in the wrong direction. Get out at Domplein, walk on in the direction the bus was going, then take the first left (Trans). At the end of the street you will see the corner of the Paushuize slightly to the left at the junction of Pausdam and Kromme Nieuwegracht). The main entrance is usually across the first bridge on Kromme Nieuwegracht  (no. 49) but sometimes on Pausdam (no. 10).

By car

The nearest parking garage is Springweg (400 metres), at Strosteeg 84. If using satnav, navigate to ‘Mariaplaats’ and then follow the P signs.

 

 

Conference booking terms and conditions SENSE Conference for English-Language Professionals 2015



  1. Booking is now open and closes on Friday, 30 October. The Early-bird Fee is applicable for bookings paid by Monday, 31 August. The Standard Fee is applicable for all bookings and payments after 31 August. Your place at the conference is confirmed on payment of the conference fee.

  2. A non-refundable deposit of €50 is included in the conference fee.

  3. If you have to cancel your booking for any reason, please let us know. If you cancel before 30 October, we will refund your fee minus the deposit. No refunds will be made for cancellations after 30 October. You can however pass your reservation on to another person. Please send us the name and email address of your replacement.

  4. The 3-course dinner is booked separately from the conference. Cancellation of your dinner booking is possible up to 30 October. Cancellations made after that date will not be refunded.

  5. You will be notified by email by 30 September that booking is open for the breakout sessions. Sessions will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

  6. We’ll do everything within our capabilities to send you all the information you require for the conference. In the unlikely event that you don’t receive an email or the delegate information that you’re expecting, please send us an email.

  7. Please read all emails and delegate information carefully when it arrives and check that the details are correct. We’re human too and we do also (unfortunately) sometimes make mistakes.

  8. If you have any questions regarding a booking you have made or would like to make, please send us an email.

  9. SENSE reserves the right to cancel the conference with a full refund.

They’re out there, they know all about you and they're selling your life! The truth about data privacy and security

Following his successful presentation for SENSE in December 2014, Freek will put forward an accessible and possibly controversial view on the current state of data privacy and data security and what this means for you and your clients. He will explain that some apps do a lot more than you think (and not necessarily to your benefit) and how you may be compromising your privacy (and possibly more) for a degree of convenience. Freek will tell the story of how the data industry and governments are using exponential technologies to find out all they can about you and influence everything you do.

Data privacy: What the data industry is learning about your life and how it is using and selling this information.

Data security: We know they are out there. What can we do?

Future developments: Exponential technologies and the software-driven world mean that we will all have to be alert to potential pitfalls.

 

About the facilitator

Technologist, futurist and serial entrepreneur, Freek Wallaart is owner of Sophios Exponential Technologies, Mindcraft Engineering and iVault Data Services. 

He got his master’s degree in aerospace engineering or ‘rocket science’ at Delft University then decided that space technology was progressing too slowly for him and moved into computing and software development.

Some years ago, he realised that we are entering an era where exponential growth of fast and cheap computing power drives ever faster development and convergence of  disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence, networked sensors, robotics, 3D printing, synthetic biology, neuro sciences and nano materials sciences, all leading to a future where everything will be networked and programmable, where "software is eating the world" as we know it and where opportunities are virtually boundless, be it for good or bad.

His current (and past) favourite occupation is to make sense of, and contribute to, the unimaginable technology driven future that awaits us, and, in the process, hopefully, help others do the same.

The power of social media

Susan once said that Twitter would blow over. That was 5 years, 75,000 tweets and more than 3,000 followers ago. Not to mention the 20,000 people that follow her on Google Plus. It took one single tweet and Smulpaapje was born. Three years later it is a hugely successful platform with its own cookbook. How does one tweet lead to all this? During our conference you will be able to attend Susan’s talk about the power of social media. How did she use social media to make Smulpaapje the success it is today. How do you build a solid social network and how do you get it to work for you. Susan will talk you through the various social media channels and how they each can be used to your own advantage. But above all, being the social media enthusiast she is, she will inspire you to make the most out of them and will show you it’s fun to use them!

 

About the facilitator

Susan Aretz is the founder of the online platform for parents with kids, www.smulpaapje.nl The website focusses on eating with kids, out and at home. On the website you’ll find restaurants that offer more than the standard kids menu. But it also has a huge recipe data base, as Susan is under the opinion that food (and taste!) education starts at home. In 2015 Susan published her first cookbook, called ‘Wat eten we vandaag?’ (What’s for dinner?) in which 16 week menus are given, to help busy parents with their day to day struggle to think of what to make for dinner.

Besides working on Smulpaapje Susan is foodblogger for Vrouw.nl and works as a community manager in Utrecht. Susan is married, lives in Leiden and has a 5-year-old daughter.

So you think you can edit?

We all know that editing is more than the checking of grammar and spelling. But what, exactly, does it entail? What distinguishes the professional editor from the amateur? What principles motivate the changes that professional editors make?

Test your editing knowledge by taking the quick Elements of Editing Self-Test. Developed for beginning editors from all fields, this self-test may also give experienced editors pause for reflection: Have I been keeping up? Should I perhaps be doing some things differently?

You will be asked to jot down your reactions to just 10 items. We will then review the items to determine if you have successfully identified the core problems and related principles or not. We will briefly consider additional items to make sure that things are clear. And then you, yourself, will decide if you qualify as an amateur or professional editor.

Drawing on the work of Yagoda (How to Not Write Bad, 2013) and my own work (The Elements of English Editing, 2013), the self-test was developed to stimulate reflection, discussion, and professional development. The 10 items highlight just how many of the corrections and comments made on the writing of native but also non-native speakers of English today (or much of what editors revise for a living) concern a very small number of core writing problems. Awareness of these problems and the best ways to avoid them are part of the professional editor’s job, and raising awareness of the relevant principles is the aim of today’s presentation

Still trying to cook without recipes?

When our textbook of translation, Handboek voor de vertaler Nederlands-Engels, was first published 20 years ago now, we decided that cookery books provided a neat metaphor for the difference between our own approach and the traditional textbook approach to translation. We tried to illustrate this difference with the aid of a cake-baking sketch: surrounded by a huge range of ingredients, a vast array of utensils and mouth-watering pictures of the delicious cakes that were to form our end products, we set about mixing, beating, adding, whizzing, turning, blending and folding in some of our ingredients. Without a recipe, it was bound to end in disaster. And it did. It was a huge mess. Every time.

The sketch was intended to introduce an analysis of a number of textbooks for Dutch-English translation, all of which were tantamount to cookery books without recipes. After all, most of them contained texts (i.e. ingredients) with or without model translations (i.e. cakes). Some also contained basic grammars (i.e. utensils). We used various examples to show that this approach simply did not work, the problem being that it failed to provide student translators with the tools and techniques (i.e. the recipes) they need in order to negotiate the structural differences between two languages. Our thesis was that we can simplify the process of learning how to translate by offering students clear, systematic translation strategies based on an analysis of common translation problems.

So have things changed in the meantime? Do translation textbooks still consist almost solely of great wads of text, generally taken from newspapers and magazines? Is the notion that you can learn how to translate simply by practising over and over again still the conventional wisdom? Time for an update.

 

 

About the facilitators

Tony Parr and Marcel Lemmens are professional translators and translator trainers. Both have extensive experience as translators (freelance and in-house) and as teachers of translation, principally at the National College of Translation in Maastricht. They are the authors of Handboek voor de Vertaler Nederlands-Engels and, operating under the name of Teamwork [http://www.teamwork-vertaalworkshops.nl], have been organising short courses, workshops and conferences for language professionals in the Netherlands since 1993. 

Marcel is also an English-Dutch translator and editor of English textbooks for a leading Dutch publisher of teaching methods for secondary schools, while Tony is also a Dutch-English translator and English language editor.

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