Hiligaynon or “Ilonggo” is widely spoken in Negros Occidental, particularly Bacolod, the capital city, and in a larger sense, in the island group of Panay in Western Visayas in the Philippines. The Bacolod language is actually an Austronesian language.
An Austronesian language is one widely used by big ethnic groups in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. It is the equivalent of the languages spoken by groups in Afro-Asiatic, Indo-European, and Uralic parts of the globe considered among the oldest spoken on the planet. The Ilonggo dialect in the Philippines, in fact, has been in use even in some parts of Mindanao such as North and South Cotabato, Koronadal, and Sultan Kudarat.
Even some people in Cebu speak the Ilonggo dialect in the Philippines as a second language. It is estimated that some 7 million people locally and around the world are native speakers of the Bacolod language, and some 4 million speak it though they are not native Ilonggo speakers. Many are fond of imitating the tone and rhythm of the Ilonggo dialect in the Philippines.
The Bacolod language is known for its smooth and gentle intonation and pronunciation. When an Ilonggo (native of Negros or Iloilo) speaks the dialect, it seems the person is always in a good and merry mood for friendship because of the melodic way the person speaks. Sometimes, however, one will find it hard to distinguish between a merry and an angry Ilonggo because there is no difference in voice tone and rhythm.
In fact, it is a popular local anecdote that most Ilonggos, when belligerent and with the intent of actually harming someone, still speak the Ilonggo dialect in the Philippines quite sweetly and even with charm. People would only be able to detect hostility through the Ilonggo’s facial expression. Thus, “Tatyon taka!” for instance, may be spoken with a delightful intonation even though it means “I’ll kill you!”
However, Ilonggos are known to be a sweet and loving people, very much compatible to the Bacolod language, which is known for always being charming and pleasing to the ears, like how lovers would say sweet-nothings to each other in over pleasing or affectionate tones.
For new comers to Negros or Iloilo, telling people, “Maayong aga!” in an almost flattering manner means, “Good morning!” Asking someone’s name is “Ano ngalan mo?” Asking if someone lives in the locality is, “Diri ka naga puyo?” And saying God bless you is, “Gabayan ka sang Ginu-o!”
The Bacolod language is easy to learn and delightful to speak. It nurtures friendship.
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