How did european explorers in the age of discovery handle new languages?

by ZigguratOfUr

European explorers visited tons of new places with different languages very isolated (linguistically) from European languages. How did they setup communications with new peoples? How long would it take to effectively communicate? Did they bring expert language learners or try to pick up translators as they went? Was there a standard practice for quickly learning languages, since people didn't have Rosetta Stone or as much formal education?

Mictlantecuhtli

There's always room for discussion, but perhaps the section Cross-cultural communication and lingua francas from our FAQ will answer your inquiry.