Final answer:
I concur with Flora Lewis that learning a new language offers a new perspective on thinking, influenced by the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and evidenced through the need for simultaneous mastery, as in riding a bicycle. Lera Boroditsky's work supports the idea that language affects cognition, highlighting the benefits of multilingualism in personal and global interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
I strongly agree with Flora Lewis's assertion that learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things. As someone who has explored multiple languages, I've firsthand experienced the profound impact they have on thought processes. The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis originally suggested that language determines thought, an idea that has since been moderated but remains influential in discussions about cognitive linguistics. For instance, languages with multiple words for "love" may enable speakers to conceptualize this emotion with more nuances than a language with a single term.
Learning a foreign language is analogous to learning to ride a bicycle; one must master the basics and then learn how individual parts work in concert. Like cycling, language fluency requires one to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and instinctively. As Boroditsky noted, languages shape thought, and this is seen in how knowledge of multiple languages can offer varied perspectives and insights in both personal and professional contexts. Additionally, as global citizens, the ability to converse in multiple languages brings immense benefits and fosters better understanding and communication in an increasingly interconnected world.