Bikol, Central

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A language of Philippines

ISO 639-3
bcl
Alternate Names
Bikol, Central Bicolano
Population

2,500,000 (1990 census), increasing. Speakers of all Bikol languages: 4,580,000 (2000 census).

Location

Luzon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, southern Catanduanes, northern Sorsogon, and Albay provinces.

Language Maps
Language Status

3 (Wider communication). Statutory language of provincial identity in Camarines Norte, 4 other provinces (1991, ACFLC Section 3(f)).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bikol, Coastal, Naga
Dialects

Legaspi, Naga.

Language Use

All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Highly bilingual in Tagalog [tgl] and English [eng], which are acquired through schooling, media, and travel.

Language Development
Taught in primary schools. Bible: 1915.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Bikol, Central
Writing
Braille script. Latin script, primary usage.
Other Comments

Christian.