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28 Jun 2010 12:15:41
A psychologist at the University of Bedfordshire has joined the debate about one of the biggest talking points so far at the World Cup in South Africa.
It’s not England’s capitulation against the Germans, the infighting in the French camp, the orange mini-dresses worn by the Dutch girls, ticketing issues or even the ball - but the vuvuzela.
The vuvuzela is a stadium horn and plastic trumpet which produces a loud, distinctive monotone note.
Its critics believe the relentless buzzing horns destroy the ebb and flow of excitement by drowning out chanting and the roar of the crowd, killing off the crescendos of sound which normally accompany games.
Dr Emma Short, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University, was featured in the Daily Mirror giving her views.
She said: “For those of us not used to the vuvuzelas, we are having to filter out the sound. It also means fans are missing the signals they are used to getting from the crowd at exciting moments in the game.
“The noise may also add to our stress levels and make it difficult for players. Their brains will have to work to filter out the noise - so concentrating is more demanding.”
And it’s not only the fans who are having trouble as players have also complained that the noise makes it harder for them to perform.
Argentina’s flying winger Lionel Messi said: “It’s impossible to communicate on the pitch; it’s like being deaf.”
Latest news» 2010» June» Should the whistle be blown on vuvuzelas?
