local language; vernacular; indigenous language
Refers to the language spoken in a particular region, as opposed to a national or foreign language. Often used in contexts like travel, fieldwork, or localization.
When traveling, it's useful to be able to greet people in the local language.
The researcher learned the local language before starting the survey.
Compound of 現地 (genchi, 'local area') + 語 (go, 'language'). The reading is the standard on'yomi for each kanji.