Overview

Throughout the course of history, the Cebuano language has been influenced by a number of other languages like Sanskrit, Javanese, Malay, Arabic, Spanish, English, Chinese, etc.*

Most of the people in the Visayas and Mindanao speak, read, write and understand not only Visayan or Bisaya but also Filipino/Tagalog and English since these subjects are taught in school. Moreover, Tagalog is the language used in mass media. English on the other hand is the medium of instruction and the language used in business, in the courts and other official fora.

It is common therefore to hear the Bisaya using different languages in one sentence. There are a number of people who also use a lot of slang and what is called gay language is becoming a fad in certain areas.

Mostly, the secret to understanding the gay language is simply to read the letters in reverse. Then you will get the regular Visayan word. For example, to describe smelling good in Cebuano, the word used is "humot." But in gay language, it will be "tomuh" or "tomu-h."

The learner has to take note also that most of us people living in Cebu are fond of cutting short our words and sentences.

This is a brief overview of Cebuano.

Do not worry about learning everything in one go. Learn the language slowly and comfortably. Hopefully, as we build upon the lessons, you will be more confident with your Cebuano/Visayan language skills.

Enjoy the journey!

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*Information from English Visayan Cebuano Dictionary, Unang Edisyon 2009, SunStar Publications Network.