I have friends who speak Chinese/Vietnamese and it's never stopped me from being close to them. I'm a halfie and only speak English. I've learned to just deal with them speaking their native language sometimes. If it's important, they'll tell me, otherwise I don't care/don't mind.

I think it's easier for me though because it's a mix of different asian races. I've never really had any success with international folks, though.

I think people want to feel included and if it means hanging out with an ethnic group, they will. I have a taiwanese/american friend who hangs out with white people all the time because he feels more comfortable with them! There are even groups on my college campus for asian americans [broad] and they are primarily 1st generation and speak english as their primarily language. These students bond because of their ethnic background but are american/westernized.

People go to great lengths to feel included. It can be sad. ;(