Masbatenyo

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A language of Philippines

ISO 639-3
msb
Alternate Names
Masbateño, Minasbate
Population

350,000 (2002 SIL), increasing. 50,000 monolinguals mostly children. Ethnic population: 700,000.

Location

Masbate Province, 3 islands.

Language Maps
Language Status

3 (Wider communication). Statutory language of provincial identity in Masbate Province (1991, ACFLC Section 3(f)).

Classification
Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, Central, Peripheral
Dialects

Related to Hiligaynon [hil] and Capiznon [cps]. Lexical similarity: 79% with Capiznon [cps], 76% with Hiligaynon [hil].

Language Use

250,000 L2 speakers (2002 SIL). Home, market, work. All ages.

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 65%. Literacy rate in L2: 50%. Taught in primary and secondary schools. Newspapers. Radio programs. Dictionary. Grammar. NT: 1993.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Masbatenyo
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Christian.