Nya and Salva: Characters and Conflict

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Questions and Answers

How old was Nya in the beginning of the book?

Tall for her eleven years

What was the official language of the Sudanese government?

Arabic language

What language did Salva speak at home?

Dinka

How old was Salva when war came to his village?

Eleven years old on his last birthday 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?

Only half an hour from his home 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?

Salva had three brothers and two sisters Signup and view all the answers

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

At the age of about ten years 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?

The village of Loun-Ariik Signup and view all the answers

Who was the village of Loud-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 years old 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

How far was the big lake from Nya's village?

3 days walk Signup and view all the answers

How long did Nya's family live at the big lake?

5 months, during the dry season Signup and view all the answers

Who did Salva meet while searching the camp for his family?

Marial Signup and view all the answers

Where did Marial tell Salva they were going?

Ethiopia Signup and view all the answers

In the Dinka language, what were the Atuot people called?

The people of the lion Signup and view all the answers

What did Nya like about the lake camp?

She did not have to make the two long trips to the pond every day Signup and view all the answers

What did Nya's mother hate about the lake camp?

They had no house and had to sleep in makeshift shelters; they could not bring their things, afraid of fighting with the Dinka Signup and view all the answers

Who did Salva meet in the land of the Atout people?

His Uncle, Uncle Jewiir Signup and view all the answers

Why had Salva not seen his uncle for two years?

Because Uncle had been in the army Signup and view all the answers

What did Salva's uncle have that made people respect him?

Uncle had a gun Signup and view all the answers

What did Uncle shoot for their first meal?

An antelope Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Salva and the other people after eating the antelope after so many weeks of near starvation?

His stomach rebelled, he vomited Signup and view all the answers

Who was the Chief of Nya's village?

Nya's uncle Signup and view all the answers

What were the symptoms of Akeer's illness?

Cramps, stomach ache, diarrhea, sometimes fever Signup and view all the answers

How was Marial killed?

By a lion Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nya and Salva: Characters and Background

Nya is introduced as a tall eleven-year-old girl.
Salva, also eleven years old, faces displacement due to war erupting in his village.
Nya's family relocates during the dry season, impacting her ability to attend school regularly.
Salva's father serves as the village judge, indicating a position of authority.
Nya has a younger sister named Akeer, who is five years old.

Language and Culture

The official language of Sudan's government is Arabic.
Salva communicates in Dinka at home, highlighting the cultural distinctions within Sudan.

The War in Sudan

Conflict arises between southern rebels and the northern government due to religious differences.
The southern population resists forced Islamic practices, leading to increased tensions and fighting.

Daily Life and Challenges

Nya traverses harsh conditions, dealing with heat and thorns while fetching water.
Salva's routine includes returning home from school for meals, often with a bowl of fresh milk from his mother.

Salva's Journey

After sleeping in a barn with villagers, Salva wakes to find everyone has left, leaving him alone.
An old woman provides him with raw peanuts and a comforting figure, referred to as “Auntie.”

Symbolism and Rites of Passage

Dinka culture includes V-shaped scars as a coming-of-age symbol for boys.

Interactions and Relationships

Salva builds a bond with Marial, a fellow refugee, who offers companionship during difficult times.
Salva's connection to family is sustained through his uncle, who becomes a protector and provider during their travels.

Food and Survival

Salva experiences hardship in finding food, with an initial meal of boiled sorghum and milk from Nya’s mother.
After several weeks of near-starvation, Salva’s stomach reacts negatively to a meal of antelope, illustrating the effects of hunger.

Health and Illness

Akeer’s illness displays symptoms of cramps and fever, indicating the dangers faced by children in the context of limited resources.

Environmental Concerns

Nya's family transitions to a lake camp, eliminating the need for multiple trips to the pond for water, though they face challenges of shelter and safety.

Geography and Distance

The big lake is three days' walk from Nya's village, presenting a significant distance for water retrieval.

Loss and Tragedy

Marial’s death at the hands of a lion signifies the ongoing dangers that surround Salva’s journey and the harsh realities of survival.

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Description

Explore the lives of Nya and Salva, two eleven-year-old children living in Sudan amidst the backdrop of war and cultural challenges. This quiz examines their backgrounds, daily struggles, and the impact of conflict on their lives. Delve into the themes of resilience and identity as you learn more about their stories.