Why do these people not speak English!

The first few days of our stay here in Swiss land were really difficult, in terms of trying to communicate with people. I haven't really been faced with such problems before and this has been one learning experience which I would have liked to avoid (well, probably not, once I am not settled here!).
General people around do not understand English ... so it is difficult to even ask them directions and get basic groceries. Some times, we are lucky to find maps and directions written in English, but then French pronounciations are so weird, that one cannot ask for directions even after reading a place's name! So, Rennens is pronounced not in the usual way, but as 'Hanoe' or something like that! And if one says Rennens and asks people around, they make expressions as if I am asking them about some addresses on moon! We found it difficult to explain to store-keepers that we want milk, cheese, bread ... everything ... its amazing how one can face difficulties doing these stupid, simple things!
The most important thing to do here seemed to be learning a bit of French and the websites are helping me out in that regard! Now that I have got settled in EPFL though, things are much simpler, because there people luckily understand English and hence life is peaceful. But I can still see a form unfilled on my table, which is supposed to my room checklist and I have not handed it over to the Concierge just because I do not know what is written on that! Phew ... not having a universal language is painful at times :((