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Originally Posted by Julius Caesar
Also, English is not my first language. I like to use the handy Kindle dictionary to look up a dictionary definition. The search function of the Kindle is also very useful. I can't do the foregoing with an audio book.
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That there should have been hint enough to stop convincing you to go ahead and try audiobooks.
The main difference between listening and reading is that with listening you are out of control. You will always be potentially hindered by the one speaking concerning speed, and to some extent accent.
Here is a interesting (non scientific) question/article on quora (
Why is it easier to comprehend a foreign language than to speak it? ):
To sum it up in a nutshell:
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For example, listening is the only modality in which you're not fully in control over the speed of the language, and is the only time you're at the mercy of accents. There are plenty of ways to practice reading at all sorts of levels, but with listening, beyond very elementary educational clips, you're more or less thrust into They're-All-Speaking-So-Quickly-Please-Tell-Me-This-Isn't-The-Language-I've-Been-Studying-Forever Land.
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Accent doesn't only apply to non native listeners, though. Just imagine a call center located somewhere else (e.g. India) reads a book to you.What a pleasure would that be? How much would you be able to comprehend?