A new study has traced the origins of language to ancient South Africa, implying that there's one starting place for modern language. So what were the first words? Likely simple verbs and nouns that reflected the immediate needs of the population, says Mark Pagel, professor of evolutionary biology at the University of Reading in England. He's a former professor and advisor to the author of the study, Quentin Atkinson.

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet," according to Shakespeare's Juliet. But would it look the same, too? Does language shape the way we see the world? And how do culture and language influence one another?

From George W. Bush to Michelle Obama, political candidates have learned the hard way that if you want to get votes in Nevada, you need to know how to pronounce it like a local. But that isn't as clear-cut as it sounds. The linguistics are so disputed that outgoing Assemblyman Harry Mortenson is now working on a resolution that would make “neh-VAH-dah” an equally acceptable pronunciation as "neh-VA-dah." It is a political plea for tolerance.

At this moment in time, we’re going to interface with someone who will hopefully tell us why words adversely impact so many people. Are we annoying you yet? Jeremy Butterfield might know why. He’s the author of a new book called "A Damp Squid: The English Language Laid Bare," which features the most annoying words and phrases in the English language

During the primaries, Democratic presidential hopeful Senator Hillary Clinton criticized another Democratic presidential hopeful, Senator Barack Obama, for offering "just words." But now it seems the simplicity of his words, and the calm with which he delivers them, could explain why he's ahead in the polls. Has the economic crisis rendered slogans and sound bites obsolete? Writer Steve Almond discusses the power of language on the campaign trail.

Guest: Paul JJ Payack, president and chief word analyst, The Global Language Monitor. Payack has analyzed language patterns of all the presidential and vice presidential debates.

In last night’s political debate, did McCain or Obama put lipstick on another barnyard animal? The Takeaway talks with linguist James Geary about political aphorisms, and which candidate won the war of witty words.

Usually figurative language serves to inform and make difficult concepts easier to understand. However, describing the intricacies of the financial crisis and subsequent proposals has proved challenging for many politicians.

President Bush summed up America's recent economic woes this week with four cool words: "Wall Street got drunk." The Takeaway asked you for more catchy crisis slogans.

As children compete in the 2008 Scripps National Spelling Bee, what are the important words in your life? Has a word been in a hinge in your career or your personal life? Which words have tripped you up? Share your story online, call our SpinVox line 1-877-8-MY-TAKE (1-877-869-8253) or email mytake@thetakeaway.org.