Complementizers

This section deals with matrix clause complementizers. They parallel subordinate complementizers in every way except that their carry the tone instead.

In the absence of a sentence connector and/or if the previous sentence had no overt illocution, they can mark the beginning of a new sentence by marking the beginning of the matrix clause.

∅	declarative or non-polar interrogative
lả	declarative or non-polar interrogative
mả	polar interrogative
tỉo	quantitative interrogative

Everything covered in the section on subordinate complementizer phrases applies here. The only difference is that instead of being passed to a verb, matrix clause complementizer phrases are passed to the illocution operator.

The most common matrix complementizer is the unpronounced one.

	∅	Rủqshua.
	C	rain
	"It's raining."

This is equivalent to the following sentence:

	Lả	rủqshua.
	C	rain
	"It's raining."

	Mả	rủqshua	moq?
	C[+int]	rain	INT
	"Is it raining?"