How do I join in with my partner's family when they often switch to a language I don't speak?
RelationshipsEveryone laughed, and my partner leaned over to say, "It's a joke about my uncle's parking." By the time he explained it, the conversation had moved on. I smiled anyway.
His family speaks two languages. They welcome me warmly, ask me questions in English and then slip into the other language when the stories get lively. I don't think anyone is trying to shut me out. Still, after an hour I feel like a guest watching a conversation through a window.
My partner says translating constantly would make the visit awkward, especially for his grandmother, who is more comfortable in the other language. I agree that she shouldn't have to sit quietly for my benefit. I have started learning a few phrases, but I'm nowhere near following a story.
What could I reasonably ask for at these visits? I'd like to participate more without turning every family gathering into an exercise organised around me.