If it's voluntary choice, no one would do either. However, reading is to be compared to listening and writing to speaking. Even so, since in real life I speak very little and read a lot, my choice is the unconventional one. I would prefer to read.

Thinking of the people who get strokes....I would rather lose the ability to read. To not be able to communicate with others is to be trapped in a personal hell.

However,people who get strokes tend to lose both. So, it is a false dichotomy.

If you wanted to say how important reading is however, then yes, reading is beyond vital to us who have had an education. To the illiterate, well, they have learnt to survive and thrive with out it.

Good grief, Somila, what a terrible dilemma!

Maybe if you mean the ability to read means I still keep my ability to write, then...I would prefer to read. :)

The way I understand the question is: If I’m unable to talk it means I will be able to read. And if I’m able to talk, I will be unable to read. Which one do I prefer.

Why should I prefer to be able to read and not be able to talk about what I have read with other people? Maybe I will be able to write about it. But I will feel frustrated indeed.

Now, why shouls I prefer to be able to talk and not be able to read? This means that I would be locked up in the prison of illiteracy. I don’t think that will be lots of fun.

So?

I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I would prefer to be able to do both.😜

Definitely the ability to speak. To live without reading, I can't even imagine it.