Reference: an act by which a speaker/writer uses language to enable a listener/reader to identify someone or something.
To perform an act of reference, we can use proper nouns (Chomsky, Jennifer, Whiskas), other nouns in phrases (a writer, my friend, the cat) or pronouns (he, she, it).Â
Inference: additional information used by a listener/reader to create a connection between what is said and what must be meant.
=> Have to imply/ infer based on context, the word that used and knowledge about the topic
Ex:
She's making herself a snack, so she must be hungry.
He's taken his coat, so it must be cold outside.
They're an animal lover, so I bet they love cats too.
Anaphora (anaphoric expressions): use of pronouns and noun phrases with the nouns to refer back to something already mentioned.