* Kidnapping and Slavery: Around 1614, Squanto was kidnapped by an English captain and taken to England. He was sold as a slave and lived there for several years. This forced exposure to the English language was the first step in his language acquisition.
* Learning and Escape: While in England, Squanto learned to speak English, possibly from his captors or other English speakers. He also learned about English customs and culture. He eventually escaped slavery and made his way back to the Americas.
* Return to Patuxet: Squanto returned to his native village of Patuxet (later Plymouth) in 1619, only to find his entire village wiped out by disease. This tragic event likely heightened his desire to bridge the cultural gap between English colonists and the remaining indigenous people.
* Communication and Survival: When the Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth in 1620, Squanto became their essential guide and interpreter. His fluency in English and his knowledge of the land were critical to the Pilgrims' survival during their first harsh winter. He taught them how to cultivate crops, fish, and navigate the local environment.
In essence, Squanto's ability to speak English stemmed from a combination of unfortunate circumstances, a desire to learn and survive, and a pivotal role in the early years of the Plymouth Colony. He became a symbol of intercultural understanding and helped to forge a fragile alliance between two vastly different cultures.