These thoughts reverberated through The Motley Monk's mind while reading a research study concerning "migrant's rights" (a.k.a., "illegal immigrants"). The Motley Monk happened upon a neologism---"elite interview"---that raised his eyebrows.
Not knowing what the author meant by the term, The Motley Monk contacted the author who offered a definition. If the definition offered is accurate, insofar as social scientists are using the term these days, "elite interview" does not communicate what they mean.
"Elite" as an adjective denotes the most "special," "select," or "exemplary" of a group that is outstanding in its own right, as in the "elite eight." Those who are afflicted with March Madness know exactly that that term means.
However, "elite" as a noun denotes a particular group within a broader category whose members excel in some way or at some task, as in the "the capitalist elite." Marxists and socialists know exactly what that term means.
Based solely upon this grammatical analysis, an "elite interview" means "a special" or a "select" or an "exemplary" interview in its own right. Perhaps a reporter lands an elite interview with the President of the United States. Reporters know exactly what that term means, if only because they lust to land elite interviews.
Yet, what social scientists who invoke that phrase intend to communicate is "an interview of the elites."
Yes, the latter phrase is more cumbersome. But, it happens to communicate what is intended accurately. The former certainly is straight-forward. But, it happens to communicate what is intended inaccurately.
The Motley Monk's purpose here is not to be lecturing about grammar. No, his purpose is to make a more general observation, namely, that many academics today are abusing the English language system. While The Motley Monk would hope those academics are aware that they are abusing the English language system, he is fearful that many of them are unaware that they are serial abusers.
In addition, The Motley Monk would observe, this abuse of the English language system is---horror of horrors---"non-inclusive," in that it excludes from discourse all of those non-elites who don't share the "inter nos," "secret handshake," "winks and nods" kinds of language shared by those who belong to the elite group.
In The Motley Monk's never-to-be-too-humble opinion, no group violates the English language system in this regard more than the elite educationists. Listen carefully as they talk to and past one another. Is it only themselves who understand what they are saying? Perhaps that's just how they want it.
Let the discussion begin...
I consubstantiate your views and your spirit.
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