Backwash Impact Of HSK Level 3 On SriLankan Students Studying Chinese Language

Language testing backwash research is a relatively new field in applied linguistics. It is also an important research topic in the field of testing. The backwash effect of language test means, how a language test impacts teaching and learning of that language. New HSK level 3 is one of the most popular examination in Srilanka. That because of, when Kalaniya University Confucius institute provide Confucius scholarships they required new HSK level 3 certificate as the basic requirement to apply the scholarship. In order to explore the backwash effect of HSK level 3 exams(written) on learning Chinese language in Sri Lanka, the author conducts an empirical study. And it is expected to explore the use of HSK level 3 test’s positive backwash effect to inhibit(control) its negative backwash effect and to suggest some valuable ideas to promote teaching and learning aspects in Sri Lanka.In this empirical research, the author mainly uses the questionnaire survey and interview method to gather the relevant data from respondents. In this study, the author mainly focuses on the following three research questions: 1, How has HSK level 3 exams impacted on Chinese learning in Sri Lanka?(including aspects: Knowledge about HSK level 3 exams, motivation for studying and facing exams, manner of learning, learning strategies, learning ways etc) 2, Has HSK level 3 exams impacted positively or negatively towards the different aspects of learning Chinese language in Sri lanka? 3, How to use the positive backwash effect of new HSK level 3 exam from students aspect to promote the learning of Chinese language in Sri Lanka. The targeted group for this study is 60 students of the Confucius institute from University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka who have already participated in the HSK level 3 test and the students who have already registered to sit for the HSK level 3 Examination as their next test.Data analysis indicates that the new HSK level 3 exam for common Chinese learners have a huge impact in terms of motivation to learn, to obtain a scholarship and take part in the new HSK level 3 exam, to take the initiative and have a learning attitude, and for them to adjust learning strategies by themselves, improving learning methods. These methods and the ways are valuable for the future participants in the new HSK level 3 Examination.Based on this empirical research results, the author puts forward some strategies and suggestions to promote the teaching and learning of Chinese language in Sri Lanka. Also the author suggests ideas in four aspects such as government, school/university, teacher and student.