Listening Cannot Replace Reading, Experts Warn
The growing popularity of podcasts and audiobooks has sparked the question “Do we still need to read?” Yet according to Associate Professor Stephanie N. del Tufo from the University of Delaware, reading and listening activate different processes in the brain and cannot replace one another.
When we read, the brain recognises letters, matches them with sounds and constructs meaning. Punctuation and paragraph structure allow the reader to set their own pace. Listening, on the other hand, requires adapting to the speaker’s speed and extracting meaning from the continuous flow of sound. This makes it particularly difficult when dealing with complex or unfamiliar information.
Research shows that reading is more effective for non-fiction content. Listeners may try to rewind in order to grasp meaning, but this often disrupts the flow. For people with dyslexia, however, listening can be an easier option. Experts also stress that attention and focus are critical in listening, and that multitasking tends to weaken learning.
In conclusion, scientists emphasise that despite the rise of digital audio content, reading remains indispensable.