Alignment shift as functional markedness reversal

Abstract In this paper, we propose treating alignment shift as a process of functional markedness reversal in the domain semantically transitive constructions. We illustrate how approach allows us to capture similarities between shifts Eskimo-Aleut and Western Austronesian languages, despite morphosyntactic differences their voice systems. Using three diagnostics (semantic transitivity, topic continuity P, discourse frequency), compare antipassive ergative constructions varieties actor ( av ) undergoer uv varieties. argue that is equivalent functionally unmarked P-prominent construction (e.g., ergative, ), whilst accusative A-prominent antipassive, ). On basis, claim both language groups are undergoing parallel from accusative, since marked more conservative varieties, but lose character begin function innovative