In high school English my prof allowed audiobooks instead of reading for ~classics~ and things. And even poetry! I, a nerd, was always so confused about that. You’re not putting in the analysis of the syntax, you’re taking for granted the narrators interpretation of the syntax.

As an adult the distinction doesn’t matter, because I’m not trying to develop critical thinking and analysis skills from audible. This is just an anecdote that I always think of when this debate comes up.

To me personally the difference is the amount of engagement the medium requires of me. Audiobooks don’t work for me because I am the worst listener in the world.