Noun classes and their agreement in Ginyanga (Kwa)

This paper features an overview of the Ginyanga (< North Guang < Kwa) noun class system and agreement. Based on agreement, we define 8 noun classes, 3 of which are singular, and the others are plural. Classes are marked on the noun with prefixes. Agreement classes are further divided into nominal form subclasses that share the agreement paradigm but feature different noun prefixes. Singular/plural pairings and semantic correlates of each class are discussed, in particular, the role of the semantic parameter of animacy. Class-marking alternation is observed both in singular/plural pairings and derivational processes (diminutive formation), which is characteristic of active noun class systems. The following agreement contexts are reviewed: class agreement of cardinal numerals, demonstratives, subject-verb and pronominal agreement. Our study puts Ginyanga data into a micro-typological perspective, adds to the evidence of a rich class system that should have existed in Proto-Guang and contributes to the typology of noun classes in West African languages.