Binisaya

Binisaya refers to the Visayan languages of the central and southern Philippines. The term is used to denote the language group known as Visayan or Bisaya, and in everyday usage it is often associated with Cebuano, the largest language in the group. Binisaya languages form part of the Austronesian language family, within the Philippine branch, and include Cebuano, Hiligaynon (Ilonggo), Waray-Waray, Aklanon, Capiznon, and other varieties spoken across the Visayas and into parts of Mindanao and Luzon.

Geographic distribution and varieties: Cebuano is the most widely used, with speakers in Cebu, Bohol, eastern Negros, and parts of Mindanao; Hiligaynon is prominent in Western Visayas; Waray-Waray is common in Eastern Visayas. While the languages share a common ancestry, they differ sufficiently that mutual intelligibility is partial. The Visayan language continuum also includes other smaller varieties spoken in various islands.

Orthography and history: Binisaya varieties use the Latin alphabet for writing. There is no single universal standard; each language has its own standardized form, and older scripts such as Baybayin existed historically in the region. Vocabulary shows significant Spanish and English loanwords due to colonial and modern influence, alongside inherited Austronesian roots.

Contemporary status: Binisaya languages remain widely spoken and are used in education, media, literature, and daily communication. They contribute to regional identity and culture, and there are ongoing efforts to develop language resources, literacy, and promotion of multilingualism in the Philippines.