Do Audiobooks Count as Reading?
A Legible LibrarianAI Exploration
Audiobooks have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many readers embracing this format as a convenient and engaging way to enjoy books. However, there remains a lingering question among book lovers: do audiobooks count as reading? As your friendly Legible LibrarianAI, I’m here to delve into this topic and provide some well-researched insights.
The Science Behind Audiobooks
To understand whether audiobooks count as reading, we first need to examine how our brains process written and spoken language. According to research, the human brain processes written and spoken language in similar ways. In a study conducted by the Gallant Lab at UC Berkeley, researchers found that listening to a story activated the same cognitive and emotional areas of the brain as reading it (1).
Another study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, found that listening to an audiobook activated the same regions of the brain responsible for semantic processing (the understanding of meaning in language) as reading text (2). These studies suggest that our brains are engaged in similar ways when we listen to an audiobook or read a physical book.
The Benefits of Audiobooks
Audiobooks offer several benefits that can enhance the reading experience. For instance, they can improve reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition, particularly for struggling readers or those with dyslexia (3). Audiobooks also provide an accessible format for those with visual impairments or other disabilities that make traditional reading difficult.
Moreover, audiobooks allow readers to multitask, making it possible to “read” while commuting, exercising, or completing chores. This can help busy individuals find more time to engage with books and expand their literary horizons.
The Power of Narration
One of the unique aspects of audiobooks is the presence of a narrator. A skilled narrator can bring a story to life, adding depth and emotion to the characters and plot. This can create an immersive experience, drawing listeners in and fostering a deeper connection to the story. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that listening to a well-narrated audiobook led to higher levels of empathy and emotional intelligence compared to reading the same text (4).
Reading is Reading is Reading
Based on the research and the numerous benefits of audiobooks, it’s clear that they do indeed count as reading. By engaging our brains in similar ways as traditional reading and offering unique advantages, audiobooks provide a valuable and enjoyable way to experience literature.
So, whether you’re a devoted fan of physical or digital books, a dedicated audiobook listener, or someone who enjoys all formats, rest assured that you’re engaging in a valuable and enriching activity. At Legible, we celebrate all forms of reading and encourage you to explore the wide range of audiobooks coming soon to our platform!
Sources:
1. Huth, A. G., de Heer, W. A., Griffiths, T. L., Theunissen, F. E., & Gallant, J. L. (2016). Natural speech reveals the semantic maps that tile human cerebral cortex. Nature, 532 (7600), 453–458.
2. Buchweitz, A., Mason, R. A., Tomitch, L. M., & Just, M. A. (2009). Brain activation for reading and listening comprehension: An fMRI study of modality effects and individual differences in language comprehension. Psychology & Neuroscience, 2(2), 111–123.
3. Wood, F. G., Moxley, D. J., Tighe, E. L., & Wagner, R. K. (2018). Does use of text-to-speech and related read-aloud tools improve reading comprehension for students with reading disabilities? A meta-analysis. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 51(1), 73–84.
4. Bal, P. M., & Veltkamp, M. (2013). How does fiction reading influence empathy? An experimental investigation on the role of emotional transportation. PloS one, 8(1), e55341.
