Hi Paul, I use Google translate a lot to both write letters to foreign genealogists & friends, and to translate what they send back. I don't expect them to figure out how to speak my language, although they usually end up using the same tool. I always start the conversation out that I am using Google Translate and to please forgive any poor translations that may occur.
Personally, I think short of learning the language, cutting & pasting blocks of copy in and out of Google Translate is an wonderful way to connect.
-tami