[kinhason]

Pool Bum,
I see you are determined to learn a language which might disappear as it is difficult to find even a children's book in "binisaya".
You are making the steps right now to lay down the foundation to be one day fluent in a language which with each passing day loses the vocabulary because of the so-called "short cuts" which the folks who speak it are fond of utilizing.
I find it not to my taste as verbal and written communication is being destroyed
when one can't give a precise word to describe an emotion, a sight, a taste, the senses etc.
Getting by is o.k. for some, however to be quite capable of discussing a full range of topics in both formal and informal settings has as its rewards for those
who take up the challenge of learning it opening "doors" which might otherwise be difficult or impossible to open.
One day you may be called on to address a group, and because of this commitment you are making will bring to you surprising and unexpected results.
It's fun. It's a challenge, and very few foreigners have tried to really do.
As stated before, you can always utilize English, the folks here don't resent you for not becoming fluent. However if you enjoy learning "binisaya" your experience living here will be in my opinion, enhanced.
Maybe, one day a school for learning the "deep binisaya" a term you will hear sometimes because you will be learning the many words that only parents or grandparents utilize. The mountain people I have been told by educated locals speak better
binisaya than the cityfolk. Well, you are throwing your hat into the ring!
Maayong suerte!
Oh, check out Binisaya.com too...not much action for now.
K