How did explorers (like Columbus) communicate with the natives of the land they just discovered?

by Chir123

I want to know how explorers in the past communicate with natives of the land without any prior knowledge of their native language?

Searocksandtrees

More information on this is welcome, but fyi, you can get started on this with some posts in the FAQ: see general information under How did people speaking different languages communicate?, and information more specific to your question under How did colonialists talk with indigenous people?