Reading Books versus Listening to Audiobooks
During the summer, I was resolute on reading the Harry Potter book series. As a result, I had time to change between the options of reading a book and listening to its audiobook. Although I have enjoyed both methods, I’ve learned that both reading and listening have their advantages and disadvantages.
When beginning a new book, it takes a couple of chapters to fully understand who, where, and, what is taking place. Many names are tossed around; it becomes a challenge to link them all to their separate descriptions of who the characters actually are. As a result, re-reading paragraphs and going back to other chapters to fully understand the story is common. When listening to an audiobook, however, comprehension comes very easily. The reader makes sure to change tone, accent, and at times, even speed of speech, to distinguish which character is currently speaking. In both cases, you eventually understand the context of the story and the comprehension becomes equal.
Consequently, the time it takes to finish a book varies. When reading, accidently mis-interpreting a sentence and not understanding who is speaking (as mentioned in the first paragraph) is inevitable. It becomes necessary to re-read a few sentences, which takes a bit longer. When listening to a book, on the other hand, people simply have to hear the story and imagine the scene. Many times, if the reader is too slow, the option of speeding up the passage is extremely handy. Although at a higher velocity, the comprehension is maintained.
Another point is exactly “when” to enjoy a book. While reading, full concentration and dedication to the book is necessary. Some days you may simply not have time to stop, sit, and read. Audiobooks however, can be listened to at any point in the day; they allow for multi-tasking. During the day the possibility of listening to a book becomes much more frequent. Some options include while in the car for the day’s commute, practicing a hobby, exercising, or just relaxing for a few minutes.
Moreover, concentration is a big factor. While reading a book, it is necessary to actually be looking at the page and focusing. It requires full attention. This is an almost guarantee that you will not daydream for too long before catching yourself. On the other hand, when listening to an audiobook, it is necessary not to be distracted by one’s surroundings. “Where did that noise come from” and, “That painting doesn't look right” can easily sidetrack people from paying attention to the story.
It’s important to note a significant advantage of reading is the ability to see the word, understand its meaning and learn its spelling. By utilizing visual memory, the reader may obtain an enlarged vocabulary.
As seen from afar, both options take you to the end of the story, but how they take you there, differentiates greatly. Audiobooks are faster, allow for multi-tasking, and are easier to understand the characters from the start; however, there is much greater ease to be distracted while reading and words are not visible. Reading books takes a bit longer, has to be done alone, and might take a few chapters to understand the characters. Nevertheless, they keep you much more emerged and concentrated in the story while providing a visual of the words.
