I am a native Chinese speaker who acquires English as my second language. Are you asking if bilingualists can think as native English speakers do, or merely can construct English sentences in one's head? In the second case, we all are thinking in English whenever we write or speak. It is dubious that we can think as native English speakers do, although I maintain the belief that language can influence one's mind and even his or her behaviors.

I definitely agree that reflection is an essential trait that an intellectual should have. Being able to reflect means to actively engage with the world instead of receiving external influences passively.

But speaking of intellectuals, I also wonder why intellectuals in Europe receive more attention than those in the U.S.? As part of my college class discussion, we mention the difference between aristocratic Europe and democratic America play a role here - intellectual elites are seen as a threat where the dominant value is equality. So what determines the popularity of intellectuals in a society? Is it true that anti-intellectualism is prevalent today?