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"Meeting" F's Parents
I was supposed to "meet" F's parents yesterday, but it didn't work out because they couldn't get their Skype to work properly, so we're scheduled to try again next week.
For the first time, I am really nervous about meeting someone's parents. I think the whole thing is compounded by the fact that they don't speak English and I don't speak their language, so I'm not sure how this is going to work. Also, he said that his father thinks that he can speak English but he actually cannot, so I can only imagine how awkward the whole thing will be. Also, I've never used Skype, so I have some anxiety about using a technology for the first time, although F will handle the setup.
Anyway, I guess I don't have a question here other than tips on how to be/look your best on Skype and tips on holding a conversation with someone that requires translation. Should I speak normally or shorten my sentences?
Re: "Meeting" F's Parents
Skyping is pretty straightforward...I'm assuming you're doing the video chat? I look into the webcam when I'm speaking and look at the screen when the other person is speaking. If you're looking at your screen while speaking, it's kind of like you're talking to the other person without looking at them, and it *could* make it look like you're doing something else on the computer while talking to them. On that note, I'd close other programs and stuff so that you're not fiddling around with other things while talking.
In terms of translation, I'd say maybe give longer pauses than usual to allow your translator to catch up. My dad has a lot of deaf students and often has an interpretter in his class, so that's what he does...normal sentence length and structure, but just pause a little longer than you would in normal speech in between phrases or sentences.
I wouldn't worry too much about it. XHs family didn't speak much English so he translated and it wasnt a bid deal. It would be nice for you to greet them in their language though. Words like hello, nice to meet you, how are you and goodbye are usually easy. Where is F from again?
ETA: smiling is universal. Don't be upset if they go off on tangents that don't include you or feel like F is leaving out information. He's likely saying it the easiest way possible.
Good tip on when to look at the camera vs. the screen. I will definitely keep that in mind, especially since I've had issues with where to look when talking into cameras.
F is from Italy and I can say basic phrases in Italian, so I will be able to greet them and ask them how they are, etc. I will have to keep in mind that he's translating the easiest way possible because I am sort of mystified at times by the difference in time it takes for things to be said in Italian vs. English.
I'll also have to remember that F doesn't always understand what I'm saying in English so I'll try to cut down on the use of slang/idioms so that we don't have to have a whole side conversation where I try to explain what I mean to him.