Here's a breakdown:
Historically, common people often spoke the vernacular language of their region. This is in contrast to the more formal, written language used by the elite, which might be Latin, Greek, or some other prestige language.
For example:
* Medieval Europe: The common people spoke various vernacular languages like Old English, Old French, or German, while the educated class used Latin.
* Ancient Rome: The common people spoke Vulgar Latin, while the educated elite spoke Classical Latin.
* Modern Era: In many countries, the official language is also the language spoken by most of the population, although regional dialects and variations exist.
It's important to note that "common people" is a broad term and their language might vary depending on their social class, region, and even occupation.
Let me know if you have a specific time period or location in mind, and I can give you a more precise answer.