The two concurrent gender systems of Mba

Abstract This paper describes the gender system of Ubangi language Mba, which can be characterized by co-existence two different classification systems. The ‘formal agreement’ is tightly bound with nominal deriflection system, while ‘semantic contrast, emanates from a tripartite distinction in made between masculine humans, other animates, and inanimates. Whereas formal agreement manifested on elements that modify head noun, semantic operates pronominal domain, mostly outside noun phrase.