A Long Walk to Water Chapters 1-4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How old was Nya in the beginning of the book?

What was the official language of the Sudanese government?

Arabic

What language did Salva speak at home?

Dinka

How old was Salva when war came to his village?

11 Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't Salva attend school all year?

Because during the dry season his family moved away from their village. Signup and view all the answers

How far was the school from his home?

half an hour Signup and view all the answers

What did Salva's father do?

He was the village's judge. Signup and view all the answers

How many brothers and sisters did Salva have?

3 brothers and 2 sisters Signup and view all the answers

When did boys in Salva's village start to go to school?

about 10 years old Signup and view all the answers

What did Salva's mother give him to keep his belly full until suppertime when he came home from school?

a bowl of fresh milk Signup and view all the answers

Who was fighting the war in Sudan?

rebels from the southern part of Sudan Signup and view all the answers

Why were the rebels fighting against the government?

Because the people in the south were of different religions and did not want to be forced to practice Islam. Signup and view all the answers

During her trips to get water, what did Nya have to worry about?

Heat, time, thorns Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the village Salva was from?

Loun-Ariik Signup and view all the answers

Who was the village of Loun-Ariik named after?

Salva's Grandfather Signup and view all the answers

What happened in the morning after Salva slept in the barn with the other villagers from Loun-Ariik?

They left without him. Signup and view all the answers

What did Nya put on her head to help her carry the container of water back home?

padded cloth doughnut Signup and view all the answers

What did Salva call the old woman who lived in the house where he slept in the barn?

Auntie Signup and view all the answers

What did the old woman give Salva to eat?

two handfuls of raw peanuts Signup and view all the answers

Why couldn't Salva go with the old woman when she left?

The soldiers will leave her alone Signup and view all the answers

What was the Dinka pattern that was a sign of boys becoming men?

V-shaped scars on their foreheads Signup and view all the answers

What did Nya's mother give her to eat after she got water?

a bowl of boiled sorghum meal with a little milk poured over it Signup and view all the answers

How old was Nya's younger sister Akeer?

5 Signup and view all the answers

Why did Nya's mother want her to take Akeer with her to collect water?

She had to learn Signup and view all the answers

How many trips did Nya make to the pond for water each day?

two Signup and view all the answers

What did the old woman give Salva when he left with the other Dinka?

Bag of peanuts and gourd for drinking Signup and view all the answers

What did Buksa, a young man from the Jur-chol tribe find?

a Beehive Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nya and Salva's Background

Nya is introduced as tall for her eleven years, showcasing her physical development in a challenging environment.
Salva is eleven years old when war disrupts his village, marking a significant turning point in his life.
Salva's father serves as the village judge, indicating his family's social standing and the father's role in community governance.

Language and Education

Arabic is the official language of the Sudanese government, highlighting the cultural and political dynamics at play.
Salva speaks the Dinka language at home, representing his cultural heritage and identity.
Boys in Salva's village start attending school around the age of ten, indicating the community's value on education, albeit limited by seasonal migration.

Daily Life and Family

Salva has three brothers and two sisters, illustrating a large family unit typical in many cultures.
Nya's daily struggles include her trips to collect water, emphasizing the scarcity of resources and the effort required for survival.

Conflict and Its Causes

The war is a result of rebels from southern Sudan fighting against a northern government that imposes Islam on differing faiths, showcasing deep religious and cultural divides.
This conflict leads to the disruption of normal life, affecting children's education and familial structures.

Survival and Resilience

Nya faces physical challenges during her water collection trips, dealing with heat, time constraints, and thorny obstacles.
After a day of school, Salva’s mother provides him with fresh milk to sustain him until dinner, reflecting the family’s support and care.

Community Support and Transition

Salva wakes up to find the villagers left without him, emphasizing isolation amidst chaos.
He is aided by an old woman, whom he refers to as "Auntie," providing a glimpse of kindness amidst the turmoil.
Nya learns the importance of taking her younger sister Akeer along for water collection, reinforcing themes of responsibility and education.

Cultural Practices and Traditions

Dinka boys bear V-shaped scars on their foreheads as a rite of passage into manhood, signifying cultural identity and tradition.
Food is a crucial aspect of daily life; Nya receives boiled sorghum with milk after her water collection, portraying the community’s nutritional habits.

Concluding Points

Nya makes two trips daily to the pond for water, highlighting the arduous routine faced by many in similar living conditions.
Salva receives a bag of peanuts and a gourd from the old woman before he departs, symbolizing the communal bonds and shared resources necessary for survival.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the first four chapters of A Long Walk to Water with these flashcards. This quiz covers important characters, languages, and cultural aspects presented in the book, enhancing understanding of its themes and context.