Bisaya People and Languages

Some of Visayan languages:

Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Waray, and Aklanon (Akeanon) are all primary branches or individual languages within the Visayan language family.

Linguists generally classify the Visayan language family into five or six main genetic sub-branches based on shared grammar, vocabulary, and sound changes. Here is how these four specific languages fit into that structure.

Cebuano – Also widely known as the Bisaya language, it is spoken in the Central Visayas (Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental), the western part of Leyte, and southern Masbate. It's also spoken in most parts of Mindanao and serves as the lingua franca for the entire region.

Hiligaynon – Also known as Ilonggo, this language is spoken in Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bacolod, Guimaras, Antique, South and North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.

Waray – This language is spoken in Samar (Western Samar), Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar. It is also used in the eastern part of Leyte (including Tacloban City, Palo, Tanauan, and nearby towns) and across the entire province of Biliran.

Aklanon – This language is spoken in Aklan, Capiz, Antique, and some parts of Romblon and Palawan.