Dialects are language... Language varieties are often called dialects rather than languages:
* solely because they are not (or not recognized as) literary languages,
* because the speakers of the given language do not have a state of their own,
* because they are not used in press or literature, or very little.
* or because their language lacks prestige.
Bisaya/Visayan is a language simple because it is a literary language, used in press and literature, they have a state/region, and it is prestigious as more than half of Pinoys speak Bisaya. Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Tagalog (not Filipino), Kapampangan, Ilonggo, and other major "dialects" are now called Filipino language.
I was corrected by the Dean when I was still teaching in Uni about this so I can't simply forget... LOL
Okay, time for bed. I beginning to lecture again... and hijacking threads. This is the result of being away for 2 weeks and having to read 3000+ posts! arrggggg!!!!