* Vernacular: This is a general term for the language or dialect spoken by the common people of a region, often contrasted with a more formal or literary language.
* Indigenous language: This specifically refers to a language that originated in a particular area and is spoken by the original inhabitants of that area.
* Native language: This is a broader term that can refer to any language spoken by someone from birth or childhood, regardless of its origin.
* Local language: This simply refers to the language that is most commonly spoken in a particular area.
* Mother tongue: This term refers to the language that someone learned as a child, often from their parents.
The best term to use depends on the specific context. For example, "vernacular" might be the best choice when discussing the evolution of languages, while "indigenous language" is more appropriate when talking about the preservation of cultural heritage.