How is a word different from sound?

[Guest guest]

Goei said to Sekito, " If you said the right word, I'll

stay. "

 

Goei did not reply, and Sekito walked away.

 

Goei yelled, " Listen! "

Sekito turned, and Goei asked, " Did you hear a

sound, or a word? "

 

Sekito broke his walking staff, and returned to

the monastery.

 

P: Can you hear a word in your own language

as pure sound? Doesn't a word in a language

you don't know convey a certain meaning that a

clank, or a thud doesn't have?

 

Pete