The term 'reference' is derived from
Middle English referren, from
Middle French rèférer, from
Latin referre, "to carry back", formed from the
prefix re- and ferre, "to bear". A large number of words derive from this root, including referee, reference,
referendum, all retaining the basic meaning of the original Latin as "a point, place or source of origin" that something of comparable nature can be defined in terms of. A referee is the provider of this source of origin, and a referent is the possessor of the source of origin, whether it is
knowledge,
matter or
energy.
Because of its meaning, the word reference is used in every sphere of human knowledge, adopting shades of meaning particular to the contexts in which it is used.
References can take on many forms, including: a thought, a sensory perception that is
audible (
onomatopoeia),
visual (text),
olfactory, or tactile,
emotional state, relationship with other,
spacetime coordinate,
symbolic or
alpha-numeric, a physical object or an energy projection; but, other concrete and abstract contexts exist as methods of defining references within the scope of the various fields that require an origin, point of departure, or an original form. This includes methods that intentionally hide the reference from some observers, as in
cryptography.
Anyway, enough of the technical background information. What follows is a recommendation written by Charles Roe, an internationally accreditied DELTA qualified lecturer.
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To Whom this May Concern,
I worked for Graham Hendrey and the Native Speakers Academy for 3 years while I was living in Banska Bystrica. I also worked for most of the other Private English Language schools in and around Banska Bystrica during the 7 years that I lived in Slovakia. I cannot say enough about Native Speakers Academy. I remember when Graham started to setup his new school and the work he put into it. Trying to run an English Language school is not an easy task, but the hard work and professionalism that Graham dedicated to his work paid off.
I have been part of the ESL world for more than 10 years. Many schools and instructors talk about their theory of teaching the English Language, but fail when putting that theory into practice. All modern ESL educators use the term Communicative Language Teaching when discussing how their classrooms or schools are run. But, the reality of most schools and most teachers is that they follow the same timeworn practices where they teach grammar, the teacher is the dictator of the classroom and conversation is limited to giving answers to workbook questions.
Native Speakers Academy is in a different class of language schools. Graham has created an environment that focuses on the students, where the teachers are mentors or guides along a student’s linguistic journey. Grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and all the other ESL skills are still taught at the Native Speakers Academy, but in a student-centered, relaxed, friendly environment where the class size is kept purposely small and the student’s needs are of foremost importance. I have never worked at any other school like Native Speakers Academy, and in my tenure as a language teacher I have worked at dozens of Private Language schools and Universities. Graham has built a well-organized, educational center that provides the best sort of language instruction for all of his students. It is a place where I was proud to be a teacher.
Sincerely,
Charles S. Roe, M.A, DELTA
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