Here are some of the major languages spoken in the Visayas, grouped by their main island:
Cebu:
* Cebuano: The most widely spoken Visayan language, spoken by over 20 million people across the Visayas, Mindanao, and parts of Luzon.
* Boholano: Often considered a dialect of Cebuano, with some distinct features.
* Cebuano (Sugbuanon): Another dialect of Cebuano, spoken primarily in Cebu City and surrounding areas.
Negros:
* Hiligaynon (Ilonggo): The second most widely spoken Visayan language, primarily spoken in Western Visayas.
* Kinaray-a: Spoken in the southern part of Negros Island.
* Aklanon: Spoken in the northern part of Panay Island.
* Capiznon: Spoken in Capiz province.
Leyte and Samar:
* Waray-Waray: Spoken in Leyte, Samar, and Biliran.
* Masbateño: Spoken in Masbate Island.
* Samarnon: Spoken in Samar Island.
* Bicolano (Legazpi dialect): Spoken in parts of Southern Leyte.
Other:
* Romblomanon: Spoken in Romblon Island.
* Siquijodnon: Spoken in Siquijor Island.
* Karay-a: Spoken in northern Palawan, often considered part of the Visayan languages.
Note: Many of these languages are considered dialects of one another, with varying degrees of mutual intelligibility. For example, Cebuano, Boholano, and Sugbuanon are generally considered to be mutually intelligible, while Hiligaynon and Waray-Waray are less so.
In addition to the Visayan languages, other languages spoken in the Visayas include:
* Filipino: The national language of the Philippines, based on Tagalog, is widely spoken in the Visayas.
* English: English is also widely spoken in the Visayas, particularly in urban areas and educational settings.
* Other Philippine languages: Various other Philippine languages, such as Tagalog, Ilocano, and Kapampangan, are also spoken by migrants and communities in the Visayas.
The linguistic diversity of the Visayas is a testament to its rich cultural heritage and the history of migration and interaction between different communities.