"'I was reading one of your Newspeak articles in The Times the other day. You take a scholarly interest in Newspeak, I believe?'" What is ironic about this statement?

O'Brien's statement is a subtle threat. It is not a healthy thing to be too good at your job. The Party frowns on personal intellect, even if it is to the benefit to the state. O'Brien follows this up with referring to Syme who was vaporised for being too keen about his job.