The Asi language is a Visayan language spoken, along with the Romblomanon and Onhan languages, in the province of Romblon, Philippines. The language is also known as Bantoanon, Calatravanhon, Odionganon, Sibalenhon, Simaranhon, and Bisaya.
Specifically, it is spoken on the following islands within Romblon:
- Tablas: the municipalities of Odiongan and Calatrava, situated respectively on the western and northern parts of the island. The Odiongan dialect has more outside influences and is more widely used in literature.
- Banton: the island's sole municipality of Banton. This is the prestige dialect of Bantuanon/Asi and is considered by many native speakers to be the most representative dialect of the language.
- Simara: the island's sole municipality of Corcuera.
- Maestre de Campo (also known as Sibale): the island's sole municipality of Concepcion.
David Zorc notes that Bantuanon speakers may have been the first Visayan speakers in the Romblon region. He also suggests that Bantuanon may have a Cebuan substratum and that many of its words may have been influenced by the later influx of other languages such as Romblomanon.
Read more about Asi Language: Sounds
Famous quotes containing the word language:
“Denotation by means of sounds and markings is a remarkable abstraction. Three letters designate God for me; several lines a million things. How easy becomes the manipulation of the universe here, how evident the concentration of the intellectual world! Language is the dynamics of the spiritual realm. One word of command moves armies; the word liberty entire nations.”
—Novalis [Friedrich Von Hardenberg] (1772–1801)