Graduate in absurd situation using language like a native (9)
I believe the answer is:
idiomatic
'a native' is the definition.
(idiomatic describes native use of language)
'graduate in absurd' is the wordplay.
'graduate' becomes 'MA' (abbreviation for Master of Arts).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'absurd' becomes 'idiotic' (I've seen this before).
'ma' placed within 'idiotic' is 'IDIOMATIC'.
'situation using language like' acts as a link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may be part of another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for idiomatic that I've seen before include "Expressed in distinctive or metaphorical way" , "Using characteristic speech" , "Certain phrases may be" , "Using expressions natural to a native speaker" , "Using a particular mode of expression" .)