How long did it take for Phillis Wheatley to learn to speak and write English?

Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American female poet, learned to speak and write English within about 16 months of arriving in America as a young enslaved girl in 1761. Her remarkable intelligence and aptitude for language allowed her to quickly master English, after which she began writing poetry. By the age of 13, she had already published her first poem, showcasing her proficiency and literary talent.