Here's the breakdown:
* Captured and Taken to England: Around 1614, Squanto was captured by English explorer Thomas Hunt and taken to England as a slave.
* Escape and Return: He managed to escape and lived in England for several years, working as a laborer and learning the English language.
* Return to America: After the death of Hunt, Squanto returned to his homeland in 1619, only to find his entire village decimated by disease.
Squanto's knowledge of English was crucial for his role as an intermediary between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. His fluency in both languages allowed him to:
* Facilitate Communication: He served as a translator, enabling the Pilgrims to communicate with the Native Americans and learn about the land and its resources.
* Teach Survival Skills: He taught the Pilgrims how to plant crops, fish, and navigate the harsh New England winters.
* Build Trust and Alliances: His unique position allowed him to establish a bridge between the two cultures, fostering a peaceful relationship in the early years of the Plymouth Colony.
Therefore, Squanto's ability to speak English was a result of his time in captivity, but it ultimately played a vital role in shaping the early history of Plymouth and the relationship between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans.