I much rather like someone who ask weird questions than someone who has no reciprocation at all (you ask a question and you get 1 word answer) or when they have zero interests in talking to you.
The question about ethnicity is not the best, but at least you are trying. I never expected my clients to be master communicators and it would be unfair to shame them for that. I can be a bit awkward with my dyslexia and ADA and I appreciate my client's patience sometimes on a bad day where switching French/English is more difficult.
There is a tone of good ice breaker question available on Google but I truly think revisiting the basics is a great starter. You start by something broad and you narrow down as you get them to talk. Try to find common interest. With practice, you'll get there!