Bantoanon language

Bantoanon[1] or Asi is a regional Bisayan language spoken, along with Romblomanon and Onhan, in the province of Romblon, Philippines.

The Asi spoken in Odiongan is called Odionganon, Calatravanhon in Calatrava, Sibalenhon in Concepcion, Simaranhon in Corcuera, and Bantoanon in Banton.

The Asi language is closer to Western Visayan language like Karay-a than to Cebuano and Waray Specifically, it is spoken on the following islands within Romblon: Linguist David Zorc notes that Bantoanon speakers may have been the first Bisayan speakers in the Romblon region.

He also suggests that Asi may have a Western Visayan substratum and that many of its words may have been influenced by the later influx of other languages such as Romblomanon.

Bantoanon speakers prefer using Spanish-derived or English numbers for financial situations.