I Am Malala Chapters 1-5 Flashcards

Key Characters and Relationships

• Malala: Author and prominent women's rights activist.
• Moniba: Malala's best friend; confidante at school.
• Atal: Malala's younger brother, aged 10.
• Ziauddin: Malala's father, supportive of her education.
• Toor Pekai: Malala's mother, influential in her upbringing.
• Khushal: Malala's older brother, aged 14.
• Safina: Malala's neighbor and friend.
• Miss Ulfat: Malala's favorite teacher, inspiring her academic pursuits.
• Malka-e-Noor: A new, competitive student who surpasses Malala in grades.

Cultural and Geographic Context

• Swat Valley: Malala's home region, known for its natural beauty and complexity.
• Mingora: The largest city in Swat Valley, where Malala lives.
• Pashtun: An ethnic group located in Pakistan, representing Malala's heritage.
• Pashtunwali Code: Traditional code of conduct for the Pashtun people, emphasizing values such as hospitality and revenge (Badal).

Societal Norms and Challenges

• Purdah: Concept of segregation or seclusion often applied to women in some cultures.
• Niqab: A garment worn by some Muslim women, covering the head but not the face.
• Burqas: Full-body coverings for women, representative of stringent cultural practices.

Significant Events and Concepts

• Taliban: Radical militant group that has imposed strict interpretations of Islamic law in regions like Swat.
• Sharia: A system of Islamic law that governs many aspects of life, including societal conduct.
• Ramadan: A month of fasting and reflection, celebrated in the Muslim community.
• Small Eid: A celebration marking the end of Ramadan.

Personal Aspirations and Challenges

• Sanju's magic pencil: Represents Malala's desire for the power of imagination and creativity.
• October 9, 2012: Date when Malala was shot, a pivotal moment in her activism and global recognition.
• Jani: A term of endearment used by Malala's father to refer to her.
• Malalai: Historical figure after whom Malala was named, symbolizing bravery and defiance.