Test in the Belarusian Language: Participant's Impressions

The fee testing in Belarusian (held on 8 May, 2004) revealed several essential drawbacks.

Nonetheless, one cannot but recognize certain positive aspects. In particular, the test gave an opportunity to examine one's knowledge and obtain the results of the entrance exams at an earlier stage. Naturally, if a high school student was enthusiastic enough and able to cover it financially.

The negative aspects are somewhat more complicated. Firstly, the tests were drafted in a manner that the knowledge required for even a good result could have been obtained only at a linguistic college or a specialized high school. This aspect has substantially discriminated against the graduates from ordinary schools.

Secondly, the participants lost much time desperately coping with the inaccurate exam drafting (full of mistakes and omissions). The examination time was limited to 110 minutes for 40 tasks.

Thirdly, the registration area of the questionnaire was drafted in...Russian. This would be even funny if it did not feel so unjust. Moreover, the officials responsible for the test addressed the participants exclusively in Russian. This created a most unpleasant atmosphere, considering that it was mere the Belarusian language test. I personally found it very difficult to focus exclusively on the exam. I also found it utterly offensive and discriminatory that Belarusian was designated with the code number "2" among testing subjects, whereas Russian was privileged to get number "1". Draw your own conclusions ...

However, I also cannot but mention that this year fee testing in Belarusian was chosen by 41129 people in comparison with 37689 of those who chose Russian. This should certainly encourage the supporters of the national culture.

Aleś Mazanik, a participant of the testing in Belarusian and Russian.