I know how difficult it can be communicating with people whose language is different from ours. My dm lives in low cost housing and the majority of the other occupants are from the Ukraine, Russia, etc. Sometimes I have misunderstood their looks to be grumpy, standoffish and difficult. I have had to keep trying in order to break down their walls and become friendly. Some people come from areas of the world where it was dangerous to be too friendly. Friends turn friends in to the government, survival instincts often bring out the worst in all of us. Then they come to this country and all the rules of engagement and social interaction are different. I would take a plate of cookies over and try to strike up a friendly rapport. It has worked with my Mom. I wish you good luck.