Abstract: The dialect in the Chaohu Lake is a significant representation of the culture around the Chaohu Lake. With economic and social development, the current status of dialect use and attitudes towards dialect have evolved. The study finds that age, occupation, and education level influence the frequency and scope of dialect use. Most respondents prefer to speak Mandarin rather than dialect with younger generations, leading to a decline in the number of children using dialect and placing the Jianghuai dialect of the Chaohu Lake Basin in a potentially endangered state. While most respondents agree that the dialect is an important part of traditional culture, many believe that the dialect is no longer useful in daily life. Based on the survey of the current status of and attitudes towards dialect in the Chaohu Lake Basin, the study puts forward suggestions for the protection and inheritance of the dialect, considering their endangered status and social functions. These suggestions are presented from three aspects: policy proposals, path selection, and specific measures.

Key words: the Chaohu Lake Basin, dialect, current status of use, attitudes toward dialect, protection and inheritance