* Kidnapped and Sold into Slavery: As a young man, Squanto was kidnapped by English explorers and sold into slavery in Spain. This is where he first encountered the English language and culture.
* Escape and Travel: He eventually escaped slavery and made his way back to England. It's unclear how long he spent there, but this time exposed him further to the language.
* Return to the New World: He traveled back to the New World, only to find his entire Patuxet community decimated by disease. This devastating event happened in the years leading up to the Pilgrims' arrival.
* Meeting the Pilgrims: Squanto, being one of the few survivors of his community, was able to connect with the struggling Pilgrims who had arrived in Plymouth. He was an invaluable asset to the Pilgrims, acting as a translator, guide, and negotiator between them and the Wampanoag.
Squanto's knowledge of English wasn't gained through formal education but through his experiences in the world, forced to adapt and survive in a foreign culture. His unique journey made him an essential bridge between two cultures, helping to establish the foundation for a peaceful relationship between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag.