Lexicographer Hindrik Sijens celebrates 40 years at Fryske Akademy

Hindrik Sijens (Twijzel, 1960) studied Frisian language and literature at NHL Stenden (Leeuwarden) and the University of Amsterdam. In 1985, he joined the Fryske Akademy and was, among other things, editor of the Wurdboek fan de Fryske Taal (1984-2011) and the Frysk Hânwurdboek (2008). He also published articles on baker's jargon, neologisms in Frisian, English loanwords in Frisian, Frisian spelling, and dictionary portals.

Sijens is currently editor of the Online Dutch-Frisian dictionary and Frysker and is contributing to the new Frisian Bible translation. He is also on the board of Euralex (European Association for Lexicography) and is chairman of the jury of the Grut Frysk Diktee.

Highlights

In 40 years, Sijens has experienced a lot at the Fryske Akademy. “A highlight of my career was the Euralex conference in Leeuwarden in 2010. Queen Beatrix was also present and, at the push of a button, put the Dictionary of the Frisian Language online.” Another moment that will stay with him is the Frysk Diktee in 2018. “More than 600 participants took part in the dictation in the year of the Cultural Capital. They sat outside at the Oldehoofsterkerkhof. It was a beautiful summer day.” Sijens has also seen many changes over the past four decades. “We have moved from paper dictionaries to digital and online dictionaries and apps. It is important to move with the times.”

Retirement 

Sijens will be retiring in a year and a half. “People sometimes ask, ‘How much longer do you have to go?’, but fortunately, that's not how I feel. I reply that I still have a year and a half to go!”