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 c...

Hedysarum mackenziei Richardson (wild sweet pea, bear root) is widely regarded as toxic and warnings about confusing it with its edible cousin Hedysarum alpinum Richardson (Eskimo potato) abound. To find the chemical basis for this claim, we performed an exhaustive comparison of the secondary chemistry between the two plants as well as a search for nitrogen containing metabolites (alkaloids) in...