The origins of Ilonggo, like many Philippine languages, are complex and trace back to Austronesian roots. Here's a breakdown of its development:
* Austronesian Origins: The Proto-Austronesian language, the ancestor of most languages spoken in Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Madagascar, is believed to have originated somewhere in Taiwan or the Philippines. Ilonggo, like other Philippine languages, descends from this proto-language.
* Evolution within the Philippine Archipelago: As Austronesian speakers spread across the Philippines, their languages diverged, forming different branches. Ilonggo belongs to the Visayan branch, which itself is part of the Central Philippine group.
* Specific Origins: Ilonggo likely evolved from an earlier form of Visayan spoken in the Western Visayas region. It is closely related to other Visayan languages like Cebuano and Hiligaynon, with which it shares a significant degree of mutual intelligibility.
* Influence of Other Languages: Throughout its history, Ilonggo has been influenced by other languages like Spanish (due to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines), English (through modern education and media), and other languages spoken within the region.
In summary, Ilonggo's origins are deeply rooted in the Austronesian language family, with its development shaped by regional and historical factors. Its relationship with other Philippine languages, especially other Visayan languages, is significant, highlighting its place within the larger linguistic landscape of the Philippines.