Dutch specCP-expletives are main clause complementizers

This paper focuses on so-called specCP-expletives in Belgian Dutch dialects, a type of expletive that only occurs clause-initial position. The traditional account these expletives is they are phrases merged specCP. argues against this analysis, and proposes instead the overt realizations C-head, i.e. main clause complementizers. second(ary) theme microvariation within dialects with respect to presence or absence specCP-expletives/main I show split be part larger empirical generalization, propose parametric for difference between two dialect groups.