100,000 first
language speakers, plus 450,000 second language speakers able to
speak or understand it (1994 F. F. Botas). 50,000 in Central
Asturian, 30,000 in Western Asturian, 20,000 in Eastern Asturian.
550,000 in the ethnic group. Population total both countries
100,000 or more.
Princedom of Asturias except for
the most western section where Galician is spoken, the western
part of Cantabria and Leon, and northern Castilla-Leon. In
Cantabria and Las Peñamelleras (Asturies) people speak Montañes,
a Spanish dialect with Asturian influence. Leonese associations
promote their language variety. There are Leonese minorities in
Portugal. Also spoken in Portugal.
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