Yes, this is an ability non-shiftlings can acquire.
Shape-shifting is usually a branch of arcane magic (a temporary transformation of one thing to something else) or alchemy (a more permanent transformation of one thing to something else).
For non-shiftlings changing form is still magic that can be accomplished, and shiftlings can also learn to use this same magic to grant themselves other forms.
Alchemy would not generally be used by shapeshifters to change their own form because transforming a living thing into something else using Alchemy is a very dangerous and potentially deadly feat of magic. If anything goes wrong during the transformation they could become permanently trapped in their new form or disfigured.
Arcane magic is a less stable shift but much safer for someone to use and learn. While shapeshifting is a difficult magical skill to learn and perfect it is something that can be learned and can allow the user to either fully transform themselves temporarily or use illusions/glamors to make it seem as if they have changed while remaining the same. The latter is safer and simpler while the former is complicated and requires a constant, careful use of magic to maintain.
For shiftlings, shifting between their two forms is simple and intuitive. It is something that can be done at any time and maintained for any amount of time.
Magic-based shapeshifting requires research and practice with the chosen form(s) to be able to maintain them. Shape-shifting wth arcane magic requires a constant use of magic. It is something that is possible for a skilled or determined magic user, but it will be draining to maintain for long periods of time. If they lose consciousness or become too exhausted to maintain the magic required they will generally revert back to their original form.
This is a long one.
Shape-shifting is usually a branch of arcane magic (a temporary transformation of one thing to something else) or alchemy (a more permanent transformation of one thing to something else).
For non-shiftlings changing form is still magic that can be accomplished, and shiftlings can also learn to use this same magic to grant themselves other forms.
Alchemy would not generally be used by shapeshifters to change their own form because transforming a living thing into something else using Alchemy is a very dangerous and potentially deadly feat of magic. If anything goes wrong during the transformation they could become permanently trapped in their new form or disfigured.
Arcane magic is a less stable shift but much safer for someone to use and learn. While shapeshifting is a difficult magical skill to learn and perfect it is something that can be learned and can allow the user to either fully transform themselves temporarily or use illusions/glamors to make it seem as if they have changed while remaining the same. The latter is safer and simpler while the former is complicated and requires a constant, careful use of magic to maintain.
For shiftlings, shifting between their two forms is simple and intuitive. It is something that can be done at any time and maintained for any amount of time.
Magic-based shapeshifting requires research and practice with the chosen form(s) to be able to maintain them. Shape-shifting wth arcane magic requires a constant use of magic. It is something that is possible for a skilled or determined magic user, but it will be draining to maintain for long periods of time. If they lose consciousness or become too exhausted to maintain the magic required they will generally revert back to their original form.