Abstract
In most developed countries, dialects are slowly losing their standing to standardized forms supported by the state and used by the national media. Japan is by no means an exception of this perhaps inevitable trend. This presentation dealt with these issues focusing on the current state of the Tsushima dialectal group, especially in the northern part of the island. This presentation was based on fieldwork undertaken this year in the aforementioned area. The following points were discussed:
1. Basic overview of the common features of Tsushima dialect varieties.
2. The current state of local varieties in the areas around the port of Hitakatsu, and the village of Sago.
3. Factors influencing dialect attrition in this area.
4. Development of a new interdialect.