Alternate Names: Bikol, Central Bicolano
Dialects: Legaspi, Naga. A member of macrolanguage Bikol ,.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 2,500,000 (1990 census), increasing. Speakers of all Bikol languages: 4,580,000 (2000 census). L2 users: Also used by migrants and those who marry into the area as L2.
Language Use: All domains. All ages. Positive attitudes. Also use English [eng], Tagalog [tgl]. Second languages acquired through schooling, media, and travel. Used as L2 by Inabaknon [abx], Isarog Agta [agk], Northern Sorsoganon [bks], Rinconada Bikol [bto], Southern Sorsoganon [srv].
Language Development: Taught in primary schools. Bible: 1915.
Writing System: Braille, Latin
Nation of Origin: Philippines
Other Comments: Christian (Roman Catholic).