Form 'D' handshapes with both hands, where your index fingers point straight up and your other fingers curl to touch your thumbs. Start with your hands close together in front of your chest, palms facing each other. Then, pull your hands apart and slightly outwards, turning your palms to face forward.
Sign 'MY', then 'PARENTS', and finish by bringing your 'D' hands together and pulling them apart to sign 'DIVORCED'.
Point to the people you are talking about to sign 'THEY', sign 'DIVORCED' by separating your 'D' hands, and then sign 'LAST-YEAR'.
Point to the person to sign 'YOU', sign 'DIVORCED', and make sure to raise your eyebrows and lean slightly forward to show you are asking a yes/no question.
Sign 'MY', then 'PARENTS', and finish by bringing your 'D' hands together and pulling them apart to sign 'DIVORCED'.
Point to the people you are talking about to sign 'THEY', sign 'DIVORCED' by separating your 'D' hands, and then sign 'LAST-YEAR'.
Point to the person to sign 'YOU', sign 'DIVORCED', and make sure to raise your eyebrows and lean slightly forward to show you are asking a yes/no question.
They are similar in movement, as both involve your hands pulling apart to show a split. However, 'divorce' specifically uses 'D' handshapes, while 'separate' typically uses curved hands or flat hands pulling away from each other.
It is very common and helpful to mouth the word 'divorce' or 'divorced' while signing it. This provides clear context and helps differentiate it from other signs that might have similar movements.
Yes, facial expressions and the speed of the sign can add meaning. Signing it sharply and quickly might imply a sudden or difficult divorce, while a standard, neutral movement simply states the factual status of being divorced.
