HSK

汉语水平考试。Hanyu shuiping kaoshi. HSK. Formally known as the the TOEFL for Chinese, the test to end all tests for Chinese proficiency. Informally, it is known as the Crusher of Souls, the Destroyer of Dreams. I have found that the most common reaction that people have when asked (immediately after having finished test) is to laugh hysterically. It's the kind of sarcastic laugh that people get, when you have completely reached the end of the line, and you know that you are in over your head, and you just don't care any more. At least, that was definitely my reaction. And the reaction of the majority of my friends.

It is this test, this Destroyer of Dreams and Crusher of Souls, that I sat through for 3 hours this morning. Starting at 9, and ending at 11, taking the HSK today was supposed to set the standard for my Chinese, so that I could see how much I had improved. By the end of the summer, I want tangible proof that all of my hard work has paid off.

I'm not going to lie, it was not an easy (in case you didn't already understand that.) There were paragraphs that I would have to read, and answer questions about, and I couldn't understand the paragraph, question or the answer. How is that for making you feel small and insignificant? I have been studying Chinese for 5 years, but I am now keenly aware of just how much I still have to learn. The listening part was a bit easier (meaning that I could at least understand the question, and most of the answers).

Overall, I am glad that I took it. It was a good learning experience. The more exposure I get to it, the more that I will learn about it. Kind if like the SAT, I suppose. The only difference being, I have as long as I want to get good at it. I don't have high hopes for my grade (if it was a good day, I may have passed - gotten the lowest possible score) but who cares? I did it. I sat there for 2 and a half hours, and I took the test. I understood some of it, and I know that I got at least some of the questions right. And it was definitely easier for me than the last time I looked at the questions (last time being March, in Vermont.) That has to say something. I recognized vocabulary and grammer from class last week, and it just made me happy to know that I am more knowledgeable about Chinese now than I was a week ago when I got here. There is a confidence boost :)

Guess what my plans are for the rest of the day? If you guessed study, you are right! Sorry, I have no prize though. Just be happy with the knowledge that you can read my mind. And now, with 5 pages of Chinese calling out to me to be read, I must leave you. Goodnight from Beijing!

P.S.

Remember that I went to the gym yesterday? Remember how I said that until yesterday, I didn't know my body could bend like it did? As it turns out, I have now figured out why. The reason? My body actually CAN'T bend like that. Waking up today was painful. I can't lie straight, and walking, sitting, jogging? Ouch. My hips feel like they have been put through the shredder, and I almost fell over when I got up to turn my test in the morning. I have been walking around all day bent at the waist, imitating an old lady with back problems (except, in my case, hip problems). Conclusion? If you don't think your body is supposed to bend like that, or if it feels like it shouldn't bend like that, then it probably shouldn't. Just saying.