I think Cockney is classed as a dialect, yes (an urban dialect).

Within languages there’s a dialect continuum where speakers of dialects close to the same end of the continuum can understand each other, but dialects from the extreme ends of the continuum are mutually unintelligible – I imagine this might apply to some of the dialects in the Philipines you refer to.

It’s a fascinating (and often complicated!) subject. Thank you for commenting

I don’t see much sign of the birds in my garden getting together yet, far too cold! – but it is a nice story if it’s true

Lovely, informative article, and the breadth of phrasal verbs that you covered here is impressive.
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