noun
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.
旅行中は現地語で挨拶できるようにしておくと便利だ。
When traveling, it's useful to be able to greet people in the local language.
その研究者は現地語を学んでから調査に入った。
The researcher learned the local language before starting the survey.
方言 means 'dialect', a regional variety of a language. 現地語 can refer to a completely different language spoken in an area, not just a dialect.
Compound of 現地 (genchi, 'local area') + 語 (go, 'language'). The reading is the standard on'yomi for each kanji.