It is the same outcome (comprehension) but not the same process.

Anonymous wrote:I love how people think listening to something makes it not "count". Count for what?

I have a hard time sitting still and reading when I feel like there are other things to do. Audiobooks are amazing! I listen and do dishes, fold laundry, sweep, dust, go for walks. If I am driving anywhere over 15 minutes in the car I put the book on. I have been able to "read" so many more books this way. Especially books that I would have a hard time sitting still for, but that I still find interesting (like a lot of non-fiction).

Of course it counts. It’s just not reading.

So some of you think blind people and those who have lost some of their vision don't get to say they read something. Cool, cool.

And people who can't hold a physical book or tablet can't say they read something. Got it.

Seriously, folks, these "that's not reading" takes are antiquated and somewhat draconian. May you always have the health and privilege of being able to read the ONE way you can conceive it's done.

I'd say no. You aren't reading it when you are listening to it (unless you are listening to it while reading along with the text). It doesn't really matter in terms of adults reading for pleasure IMO. It does matter in school though. Reading and listening comprehension are different skills. A student's listening comprehension outpaces their reading comprehension until they become proficient readers. Students may have excellent listening comprehension and do poorly on reading comprehension tests.

I hate listening to audiobooks. I cannot stand to hear the words read by others. I want to read at my own pace and in my own voice.

It used to be very common for one person in a family to read aloud to the rest of the family in the evening. The others might sew or knit or something while they listened.

It just depends on context. If I ask you if you have read XYZ book because I want to get your opinion...you have read it. If a teacher asks a child to read for 30 mins a night...listening does not count.