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Cebuano
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A language of Philippines

ISO 639-3

ceb

Alternate Names

Bisaya, Sebuano, Sugbuanon, Sugbuhanon,
Visayan

Autonym

Binisaya

Population

15,900,000 (2005 UNSD). Total users in all countries: 15,935,600.

Location

Widespread; Bicol region: south Masbate province; parts of Mindanao;
throughout the Visayas regions.

Language Maps

Southern
Philippines

Language Status

3 (Wider communication). Statutory language of provincial identity in Cebu
Province, 4 other areas (1991, ACFLC Section 3(f)).

Classification

Austronesian,
Malayo-Polynesian, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan,
Cebuan

Dialects

Cebu, Boholano (Boholang), Leyte, Mindanao Visayan. Boholano sometimes
considered a separate language.

Typology

VSO; noun head final; tense and aspect; 16 consonants, 3 vowels, 4
diphthongs; non-tonal; free stress; inclusive/exclusive pronouns.

Language Use

Also use Bolinao [smk].
Used as L2 by Ata [atm],
Butuanon [btw], Central
Sama [sml], Central
Subanen [syb], Chavacano
[cbk], Cotabato Manobo [mta], Davawenyo [daw],
Eskayan [esy], Giangan [bgi], Higaonon [mba],
Ilianen Manobo [mbi],
Inabaknon [abx], Kagan
Kalagan [kll], Kalagan [kqe], Kamayo [kyk],
Kinamiging Manobo [mkx],
Kolibugan Subanon [skn],
Koronadal Blaan [bpr],
Mandaya [mry], Matigsalug
Manobo [mbt], Northern
Subanen [stb], Obo Manobo
[obo], Porohanon [prh],
Rajah Kabunsuwan Manobo [mqk], Sangil [snl],
Sarangani Blaan [bps],
Southern Subanen [laa],
Surigaonon [sgd],
Tagakaulo [klg],
Tandaganon [tgn].

Language Development

Literature. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible: 1917–1981.

Language Resources

OLAC resources in and about Cebuano

Writing

Braille script [Brai].
Latin script [Latn], primary usage.

Other Comments

Christian.

Place in Language Cloud

Click to enlarge with explanation

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This web edition of the Ethnologue may be cited as:  Simons,
Gary F. and Charles D. Fennig (eds.). 2018. Ethnologue: Languages of the
World, Twenty-first edition. Dallas, Texas: SIL International. Online
version: http://www.ethnologue.com/.

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