Yes but very few free countries had a common language before the 17th century so it would be something that came quite late in the game and there would be no cultural advantage in one language over another. Language is meant to communicate and they all do that quite well.
You could have a translator/ambassador unit that would allow you to interact with other cultures but I think that would be about as far as you could make it go.
Religions on the other hard are different enough that choosing one over another can make a difference in how your civilization grows.
Good morning!