Maybe not so controversial opinion: listening to audiobooks still counts as reading. People with dyslexia who love books exist. Two people in my life are like this, and they've torn through more books than me. One of them being my dad.
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I think they can offer different experiences due to the differences in mediums, but the idea one “doesn’t count” is ridiculous to me. If you have an entire grasp of every word of the book, you have read the book
I have trouble staying focused if the book is in my hand. Literally, I will read the same line 5 times over. Audiobooks have been amazing for me. I average about 5-6 a month. It's made work a million times better too.
if someone could eat a book and absorb its words that way, it would still count as reading. A psychic looking at the book and seeing the words on their mind: counts as reading.
💯! I also live with 2 dyslexics (hubby & DD). Audio books and voice to text tech have opened up so many avenues to knowledge & imagination. They no longer dread reading. And DD is thriving & loving school!
I’m not quite sure why it matters. When I was younger I was a voracious reader of books, and now I’m an equally voracious audiobook listener. Does it have to be qualified bc of book snobbery? Why would you care unless it’s to judge it as less than?
Reading as a dyslexic person is so hard, I literally need to reread so many sentences or paragraphs. And I struggle even seeing what the sentence is trying to tell me without having to read over and over.
My daughter is dyslexic and has found that reading a book whilst also listening to the audio version has helped her. You just have to slow down the audio.
My daughter has a hard time focusing when she reads. I tell her there’s no shame in going the audio book route. She seems to be able to comprehend it better too.
I always listen to nonfiction, primarily when I’m moving my body in some way. I just process the information better that way. Fiction, though, is absolutely an eye-reading endeavor. I have too many opinions about how voices should sound!
Audiobooks do offer more opportunities for dyslexic/blind readers, but no one needs a reason. You can listen just because you enjoy it. I love audiobooks because I love being read to (and they're convenient for walks/drives/etc). I do not understand the prejudice against audiobooks. Books is books.
Thank you so much for this 😭 Some people are so elitist about what is or isn't reading. Like... I'm sorry I have dyslexia, sometimes I don't want to sit and spend hours trying to read one chapter
I don’t pick up books often anymore. They are too exhausting to read with my dyslexia and ADHD, but I’m ALWAYS reading news articles and learning about things. I always felt bad when I thought about the last time I picked up a book but now I think about how much I’ve read in a day via other media.
My daughter. Her ADHD won’t let her hold a book and read it but she can focus on an audio book while she muscle memories her way through her daily existence.
She reads almost as much as I do, but I have the benefit of being an empty nest housewife whereas she has just started building her career.
It's the same thing to me. Audiobooks remind me of the year I lived in England in the '70s as a kid. There was a show called Jackanory and an actor give a dramatic reading of a book. A new chapter every day. I loved that show. 30 years later I was back and Jackanory had morphed into some silly show
He wasn't anything less because of how he consumed information and even though he was ashamed of his illiteracy, he wouldn't hide it and not call it anything but.
Consuming information to understand and challenge one's self should be the thing we aim for. Be a voracious learner.
We shouldn't shame alternative paths of connecting to the world and information.
But calling "listening", "reading" will confuse our child readers who don't understand text reading is a separate useful skill set and it can only grow with practice.
I can see that there are many paths to the same place. Children are much smarter than we give them credit for; my sons called our nighttime routine "reading a book", even though they hadn't mastered the skill and I did the reading out loud for them. Is it really so different listening to audiobooks?
Yes; there are scientists studying this very thing to help guide school curriculum.
Looking at the words while someone reads them can strengthen skills better than just listening to the words.
We got literature on how to read outloud faster and make the new reader read outloud at the same time
The thing is, language evolves and reading in this context refers to consuming a book. I don’t say that I’m “reading” when I’m scrolling on Reddit, even though it’s reading text. I do say I’ve read a book, even if it was through the audiobook format.
I don’t know, I use “reading” for books just as much as I use it for magazine, blog posts and scrolling on reddit. I mean it’s literally called “reddit”.
Evolve: develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form.
So changing "listening to an ebook" to "reading" isn't making things more complex, it is the opposite. It is watering down the definition. Or are we also watering down "evolve?"
Congrats on using a single dictionary definition that is specifically referring to biological evolution. Sorry, language CHANGES but being a pedantic gatekeeper is apparently timeless
Maybe people have a problem with "reading" an audiobook because we discount listening an an art. We often consume information online without reading because the latter takes concerted effort. True reading / listening is difficult because you need to keep nuance and context in mind all of the time.
I don't read lyrics when I turn on the radio for a listen.
I don't read an opera or a musical when I go to the theater.
I don't read a story when I sit with my kids at book time with a librarian.
I agree with that, but I also think there’s a distinction between the physical acts. I generally listen to nonfiction and always eye-read fiction, bc they’re very different experiences. I wouldn’t say I read podcasts. We just don’t have a word for eye-reading that’s different from reading overall.
Because language evolves as usage does. We have a lot of ways of consuming written media that we did not have when 'read' was defined initially and we also use it to indicate that we've consumed written media in general. So listening to something or hearing it read aloud counts as reading that book.
...repurposing basic words has happened throughout history organically since the beginning of time. Why does this word in particular get such special treatment? FWIW, I used to think like you about it, and then I realized that pedantry tends to hurt language development more than help it.
"Why does this word in particular get such special treatment?"
Because it is used amongst scientifically studied educational research. Be poetic in creative spaces and repurpose whatever words in those spaces.
Repurposing words used to help scientists and students communicate effectively should...
For example, you're still writing something when you type on a keyboard. Are you physically writing it? No. But that word evolved to encompass typing, too. The method changed, but the result did not. Therefore, the word fits. And that's how language works.
And if you do both, how do you remember which ones you read and which ones you heard read? My brain remembers the book but not how I transferred the text to my brain.
One of my wives listens to 2-3 books a week THANK GOD for the Audible sale last week, got another 300 hours for her. Ever hear of "He who fights monsters"? Whole 10 book collection. IDK if it is any good or not, but im sure I will hear about it.
Also, including those who wish to sit down and read but, for other reasons, find themselves unable to do so. Audio books are also great for those who are auditory learners who benefit from it. You could also argue that it also helps encourage those who are at a lower reading level or are unable to.
Agreed, audio books bridge the gap for those who can not read due to a variety of different reasons. Audio books aid in bridging gaps of knowledge otherwise written on paper in works of nonfiction. Yet works of fiction are also just as good, allowing access into different day to day conversations.
If I’ve consumed a book, I’ve read it. The format isn’t really relevant. If someone asked me if I’ve read a book I listened to, I’m not going to go “no, I just listened to the audiobook”. We can discuss the book, it’s the exact same content.
I get what you're saying, but you didn't JUST listen to the audiobook. You listened to the audiobook. Framing it like listening is lesser than reading is part of the problem.
I was reminded recently that humans had to share stories orally for thousands of years before printed books came around. Listening to stories is just as good as reading — and it's our ancestral birthright!
While they accomplish much the same thing, they are not the same thing. I’m happy that audio books exist, but for comprehension, reading wins out. An illiterate person can enjoy a n audiobook, but can no more read than a toddler.
I disagree, go back far enough and almost everyone experienced literature by one person reading it aloud to a group. I think reading it or hearing it read to you are equally valid, the ‘reading’ is still taking place.
I ONLY listen to audiobooks. Makes my daily commute to and from work a breeze. I've experienced some of the BEST narrations - Project Hail Mary ... I'm looking at you!!
As a Dyslexia Intervention teacher, I strongly approve of this message! Dyslexic kids often have above-average listening skills as a result of their deficits with reading, too.
As a person with dyslexia who reads one book a year due to how slow I read I understand this but can't agree. This is not reading. Listening to audiobooks is still a valid way of enjoying literature but is a complelty different activity.
My husband is like this too. He's one of my best beta readers because he can find any plot hole or continuity error. But since audiobooks are more his jam, he's one of the slower ones to get back to me.
Audiobooks cure me of my bad habit of skimming through the ends of paragraphs. But they also thwart going back after a later reference to a character to check the first reference.
Just made me ponder if, then, watching a book performed on stage or in a film would count as reading; and if not, what is the difference between turning words into sounds vs. into gestures or images? /gen
Absolutely agree. When my sister was waiting for cataract surgery I got her into audiobooks. I've used them myself, but my problem is they don't captivate my attention like reading does. It's the only way I've got to make the world go away.
Controversial take:
Listening to audio books is not reading.
HOWEVER: It is still consuming books and other written literature and should not be denigrated, complained about, or judged as 'not reading' even though it is ~physically~ 'not reading'. The consumption of books and literature counts.
"reading" in the interpretation-of-graphical-symbols sense is dying, along with cursive. We now can look to the rise of more robust emojii, audio and film. No one has time to read in a gig economy.
Sad but true - though calligraphy and writing has been making a comeback among hobbyists in the form of fountain pens and inks now that we have materials that make them reusable.
I'm okay with change, but I do love using a great fountain pen. I guess I find this change interesting and maybe even promising for education. We will see.
I've seen people putting audiobooks on their lists of books they've read. As someone who prefers physical books but has always wanted to give an audiobook a go, I fully count audiobooks as having read a book. When you finish an audiobook, you now know that story. Same as a physical one.
Pro-audiobooks reasons I hear at events:
1. I listen to audio when my kids sleep, and I do my chores.
2. I knit or quilt, I listen while crafting.
3. I have a long commute, so I listen in my car.
4. I'm a slow reader, dyslexic, my vision is bad, I like to read and listen at the same time.
My niece has dyslexia, and a Masters in Astrophysics. She's an avid audiobook-reading commuter.
Reading on a moving train is a struggle for many people.
A story is a story whether it's in written words or spoken words. I spent 5 years working with in services for the blind. Braille and audio books are still books.
Just as language evolves, I think the notion of consuming books needs to evolve. If you can discuss a book in its entirety, you’ve read it. “Read it” means to consume it, IMHO.
I hate that we still have to have this argument. To listen to a book is to consume it just as you would by using your eyes. Same results, different method. I sometimes find I retain plot points and character details even better listening.
Bring dyslexic myself I had a really hard time reading books when I was young. Audiobooks allowed me discover so many amazing authors. So yes I think it counts . Today I read a lot but still also listen to audiobooks. They my favourite thing in the world.
Some may say this is controversial but I have to admit my reading slowed down once I needed glasses... and an audiobook on a long drive is highly satisfying.
I always used to listen to audiobooks on the drive to and from work. Much safer than a copy of the latest John Scalzi novel propped on the steering wheel. Although I *did* once eat a footlong hoagie behind the wheel at 65mph...
It’s true. But they are still definitionally different skill sets and activities. If I never learn to read or write, I could still listen to audio books. But I would be literally illiterate.
I tend to view streamed series as a form of novel, where the characters can be individually defined, the plot slowly developed, sequels coming after a couple of years, and book-club-like watch parties can hash over details of each episode. It's great!
Audiobooks rule! Listening while driving to grocery store or yoga studio or brunch with the girls is the only time I get to indulge in junk literature. Common, Jack Reacher, kick their sorry asses!
i dont have dyslexia, but i have adhd that makes reading difficult to focus on. audiobooks help w that immensely because it frees up my hands and eyes to do things that help me concentrate. I even use tts readers to read articles and fanfics to me so im processing the contents in a way i can focus
Books are for everyone, and audiobooks are for everyone. Have a visual impairment or sensory issue? Audiobooks. Want to listen to a murder mystery while knitting? Also audiobooks. The first stories humans ever told were oral tradition. I'm a librarian, and I approve the above message.
it doesnt 'count' as reading because it isnt reading. that being said, you should get the same credit for listening to or reading a whole book, its just not 'reading'
Audio books are fantastic! They help me with reading books I HAVE to read. If they were available when I was in school I'd have had a much easier time!
Yeah, also I drive like shit while I read a book, so it’s probably better for everyone if I listen to audiobooks, because there’s no way I’m not going to read.
I can't say what it is for sure, but I was once an avid reader but no longer have the focus to sit down and read for long periods of time. For a span of years, I hadn't read a single book. I've since discovered audiobooks and agree, it is every bit as valid and such a joy.
I agree! While I love to read, I've found that audiobooks are great for multitasking when doing mundane work or chores.
They're also great for books I would have had a hard time getting through due to an unusual writing style or a language barrier (like The Locked Tomb and Millennium series)
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And I have dyslexia.
She reads almost as much as I do, but I have the benefit of being an empty nest housewife whereas she has just started building her career.
Reading text is reading. Listening to words is listening: no shame.
But I will say that processing and thinking about new information > reading words without thinking about it.
He was sharp when you talked to him.
Consuming information to understand and challenge one's self should be the thing we aim for. Be a voracious learner.
But calling "listening", "reading" will confuse our child readers who don't understand text reading is a separate useful skill set and it can only grow with practice.
Looking at the words while someone reads them can strengthen skills better than just listening to the words.
We got literature on how to read outloud faster and make the new reader read outloud at the same time
So changing "listening to an ebook" to "reading" isn't making things more complex, it is the opposite. It is watering down the definition. Or are we also watering down "evolve?"
Maybe you need time to reflect.
But using "reading" interchangeably with "listening" has an impact on children who will take the easy way out and not work on their reading skills.
I don't read lyrics when I turn on the radio for a listen.
I don't read an opera or a musical when I go to the theater.
I don't read a story when I sit with my kids at book time with a librarian.
Listen is a valid word.
"I enjoyed x book" refocuses on the enjoyment of the book.
Liked, Did not finish, agonized over, roughed through.
If we really want to stop a stigma for audio consumption, we shouldn't repurpose a basic word.
Because it is used amongst scientifically studied educational research. Be poetic in creative spaces and repurpose whatever words in those spaces.
Repurposing words used to help scientists and students communicate effectively should...
The only problem is that i never listen to music anymore
listening 👏
Listening to audio books is not reading.
HOWEVER: It is still consuming books and other written literature and should not be denigrated, complained about, or judged as 'not reading' even though it is ~physically~ 'not reading'. The consumption of books and literature counts.
I have faith.
1. I listen to audio when my kids sleep, and I do my chores.
2. I knit or quilt, I listen while crafting.
3. I have a long commute, so I listen in my car.
4. I'm a slow reader, dyslexic, my vision is bad, I like to read and listen at the same time.
Reading on a moving train is a struggle for many people.
So far this site has been mostly random strangers and actors that I have never seen before on my feed,
Nice to see a youtuber that I watch here 👋
They're also great for books I would have had a hard time getting through due to an unusual writing style or a language barrier (like The Locked Tomb and Millennium series)