Which are the 10 most frequent languages in the Philippines?

The Philippines is a linguistically diverse country with over 170 languages and dialects spoken. However, the majority of the population speaks one of the following 10 most common languages, listed with their approximate percentages based on data available up to my knowledge cutoff date in 2022. Please note that these percentages can vary slightly depending on the source and the specific region of the Philippines:

Tagalog (Filipino) – Around 25%

Cebuano (Visayan) – Around 20%

Ilocano – Around 10%

Bisaya/Binisaya (Cebuano dialect) – Around 7%

Waray-Waray – Around 3.5%

Bikolano (Bicolano) – Around 3%

Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) – Around 3%

Kapampangan – Around 2.5%

Pangasinan – Around 1.5%

Tausug – Around 1%

It’s important to note that the percentages can change over time due to population shifts and language preferences. Tagalog, also known as Filipino, is the official language of the Philippines and is the most widely spoken language. Cebuano and Ilocano are also major languages spoken in various regions of the country.

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the Philippines is a linguistically diverse country with over 175 spoken languages, with some sources even citing more than 170 languages and dialects. However, the majority of the population speaks a few major languages, and Tagalog is the official language. Keep in mind that the percentages may vary over time, and the following list is not exhaustive, but it provides an overview of the most frequently spoken languages in the Philippines:

Tagalog (Filipino): Tagalog, the basis of the Filipino national language, is the most widely spoken language in the Philippines, and it is spoken by a significant portion of the population. It is the primary language of government and education.

Cebuano: Cebuano, also known as Bisaya or Visayan, is the second most spoken language and is particularly prominent in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Ilocano: Ilocano is spoken in the Ilocos Region in Northern Luzon and is one of the major regional languages.

Waray: Waray is spoken in the Eastern Visayas region and is one of the Visayan languages.

Kapampangan: Kapampangan is spoken in the Central Luzon region, particularly in Pampanga.

Bicolano: Bicolano is spoken in the Bicol Region in the southeastern part of Luzon.

Hiligaynon (Ilonggo): Hiligaynon is spoken in the Western Visayas region and is another prominent Visayan language.

Pangasinan: Pangasinan is spoken in the Pangasinan province of Northern Luzon.

Chavacano: Chavacano is a Spanish-based Creole language spoken in several areas of the Philippines, such as Zamboanga City and Cavite.

Maranao: Maranao is spoken by the Maranao people in the Lanao del Sur province in Mindanao.

 

Please note that these percentages can vary depending on the source and the specific criteria used to measure language prevalence. The Philippines’ linguistic landscape is dynamic, and many local dialects exist throughout the country. Additionally, some ethnic groups have their own languages and dialects. It’s also important to recognize that Filipino and English are the two official languages of the Philippines and are widely used in education and government, making them essential for communication across different regions. For the most up-to-date and region-specific information, you may want to consult government sources or linguistic studies conducted after 2022.