Welcome
to the first
web page
dedicated to the
International
Frog Language
(You found it
on the Internet. So, it must be true!)
The IFL consists of a single word: ÒribbitÓ that means everything to all people (and frogs).
Origins:
International Frog began in a small
pond and started spreading among people shortly after a wicked witch changed
the handsome frog prince into an ugly human. HeÕs searching for a frog princess
to kiss him and turn him back into a frog (a future movie plot).
Adoption:
The language has been taught to people
of America (Virginia, Michigan, California, and others), the UK, Norway, and
other countries. (Be the first in your area to speak International Frog.)
ItÕs strange that the language is
spreading slowly because it is so easy to learn as a child but more difficult
for adults.
In practice:
To count to ten on your fingers, in
International Frog, it is simply Òribbit, ribbit, ribbit, ribbit, ribbit, ribbit, ribbit, ribbit, ribbit, ribbit.Ó
Conversations can be easily done in
International Frog:
Wells: ÒRibbit!Ó
Bill: ÒRibbit!
Ribbit ribbit ribbit?Ó
Wells:
ÒRibbit ribbit.Ó
Bill: ÒRibbit.Ó
As with any serious language, normal punctuation
applies.
IFL Literature:
A classic poem (a limerick) in
International Frog is:
Ribbit ribbit ribbit ribbit
ribbit, Ribbit,
Ribbit ribbit ribbit ribbit
ribbit ribbit,
Ribbit ribbit,
Ribbit ribbit,
Ribbit ribbit ribbit.
(Note: itÕs not possible to do haiku
in International Frog.)
Grammar Rules:
Rule 1. As with any serious language, normal punctuation applies.
Rule 2. Subject and verb numbers are allowed to argue or agree to disagree.
Rule 3. To conjugate verbs and articles, use the generic form, "ribbit".
Rule 4. Never "ribbit" when you can "ribbit."
Rule 5. Ribbit before ribbit except after ribbit, unless it sounds like ribbit as in "ribbit" or "ribbit."
Rule 6. Always use the polite form, ribbit.
Rule 7. Pluralization: plural nouns tend to end in "t"; singular nouns also end in "t".
Rule 8. IFL ALWAYS uses the Oxford comma as in: "ribbit, ribbit, ribbit ribbit".
Rule 9. IFL does NOT have the "let's eat[,] gramma" life or death issue.
Rule 10. When in doubt, trust your ear.
Controversy:
There have been radical underground
groups who try to speak International Frog by saying ÒneeditÓ.
This is not an official dialect approved by the International Federation of the
Promotion of Amphibian Languages (IFPAL). The speakers of ÒneeditÓ
are probably ÒT.O.A.D.SÓ (Those Other Alternate Dialect Speakers).
Your invitation:
You, too, can speak International
Frog! Just try it with your friends. ItÕs fun, has no know harmful side
effects, and, as humor is good for you, itÕs actually healthy!
Ribbit!