Jen’s comment > Likes and Comments

I agree! It takes time, effort, solitude and energy to read the book. While listening to one is so much easier, and you could be doing hundred other things while you are listening, just like music.

I enjoy both of them I always have 2 books - one i read and one i listen to. I prefer and love reading but it takes time. Usually I read evenings, weekends.. I listen when i walk, in the car..on the bike..when i cook ..everywhere :)

you mean, me listening to a book, processing what the words that I am hearing, translating them into images (as you would in reading a book), and then comprehending the story doesn't count...wow, just wow

I think your right there Jen, but I fully intend, when I cannot read any more for what ever reason, I will listen to every audio book I can get my hands on! I really enjoy listening to stories being read to me (probably left over from my childhood days!)

i completely disagree with the statement that reading tests/increases your literacy and audiobooks don't...do you have proof to support that assertation, or is it just your belief?

Dee - The OED description of the word literacy = "the ability to read and write". I must infer from your remarks that you don't agree with this description of the word. In reply to your first comment I stand by my words - no way can you say you have read a book if all you have done is listened to it in the same way I can't say that I swam the channel if I crossed it on a ferry.

But the question wasn't about 'literacy' as you define it...I stand by my argument from a psychological/cognitive research stand-point - listening and processing an audiobook requires the same skills if not more than just reading

Have you ever actually listened to an audiobook? Or are you basing you argument on a non-researched/unproven hypothesis that reading a book is a'better' experience?

American Secondary Education (2008) - audiobooks help to improve fluency, expand vocabulary, activate prior knowledge, develop comprehension and increase motivation to interact with books while removing the restraints of trouble with word recognition/decoding

Literacy in a changing world (2011-INTO) - while OWD defines as ability to read/write - technological developments and shifts in educational demands has caused it to take on a wider meaning - not an autonomous set of skills but a social practice that links ideology, culture, knowledge and power

Dee wrote: "But the question wasn't about 'literacy' as you define it...I stand by my argument from a psychological/cognitive research stand-point - listening and processing an audiobook requires the same skil..."

Question was basically if reading was the same as listening. My answer was no. Taking account of brain functions you will see different parts light up depending on whether you are reading or listening. Those that can listen cannot necessarily read. However, if you really do believe that reading is the same as listening then nothing more to be said except each to his own.

And those that can read can't necessarily listen - its an acquired skill - but if all things equal a student who reads and one who listens scores the same on a literacy/comprehension test then should their be an argument...

So we agree - reading and listening not the same unless you feel literacy and comprehension are the same. And yes, I agree I know many who can read but can't or won't listen. I know people who can read but not necessarily comprehend what they are reading. Our little discussion here just goes to show the power of words and what they mean to different people. I saw 'literacy' as meaning reading and writing. You saw it as meaning comprehension. Aren't words beautiful - written or spoken.

Pretty much - plus that is what is great about this site ;) I find huge value in the spoken word - traditional story-telling; audiobooks etc

i agree

Agreed.

Absolutely ridiculous.