bcl ISO 639
Bikol Autonyms
Bikol, Central
Visualizations
A language of Philippines
- ISO 639
- bcl
- Alternate Names
- Bicol, Bicol-Naga, Bicolano, Bikol Naga, Bikolano, Bikolnon, Central Bicolano, Coastal Bikol, Coastal-Naga Bikol
- Autonym
- Bikol
- Population
- 2,500,000 (1990 census), increasing. Speakers of all Bikol languages: 3,890,000 (2005 UNSD).
- Location
- Bicol region: west Albay province, Legapi area; Camarines Norte province, Philippine Sea from east coast marshes to Mandao, San Miguel bay; Camarines Sur province, San Miguel bay area, Ragay gulf, Caramoan peninsula to Lagonay gulf; southwest third of Catanduanes province; Masbate province, Burias and Ticao islands; north Sorsogon province, Sorsogon bay mouth, inland; Calabarzon region: east tip of Quezon province.
- Language Maps
- Northern Philippines, Southern Philippines
- Language Status
- 3 (Wider communication). Statutory language of provincial identity in Camarines Norte, 4 other provinces (1991, ACFLC Section 3(f)). Became widely spoken in the 16th century during the Spanish occupation (1521–1898). Used in agriculture, trade, church, and daily communication.
- Classification
- Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bikol, Coastal, Naga
- Dialects
- Naga, Legazpi (Legapi), Daet, Partido, Canaman. A member of macrolanguage Bikol [bik].
- Language Use
- All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use English [eng]. Also use Tagalog [tgl]. Second languages acquired through schooling, media, and travel. Used as L2 by Inabaknon [abx], Katubung Agta [agk], Northern Sorsoganon [bks], Rinconada Bikol [bto], Southern Sorsoganon [srv].
- Language Development
- Taught in primary schools through grade 3. Dictionary. Grammar. Texts. Bible: 1915.
- Writing
- Braille script [Brai]. Latin script [Latn], primary usage.
- Other Comments
- Christian.
- Language Resources
- OLAC resources in and about Bikol, Central
