Carder's path to creating Linguicity

 Linguicity

One Irish American man links language,

learning, leisure, and legacy

 In an era where language learning has become more important than ever, Linguicity is breaking new ground by combining the fun of classic word games with the richness of multilingual expression.

Created by Carder Starr, the app allows players to seamlessly switch between languages, reinforcing vocabulary and deepening their appreciation for linguistic diversity while learning more about their own lineage.

For Starr, the inspiration for Linguicity came unexpectedly in 2013 while playing Words With Friends.“I noticed that I had the perfect letter tiles to spell 'palabra' - the Spanish word for 'word,'” he recalls via email from his home in Rhode Island. “It struck me - why should word games be limited to just one language? What if players could switch between multiple languages in the same game?”

With deep Irish roots tracing back to County Tipperary and County Roscommon, Starr’s passion for language is personal. His late wife, Eileen Molloy, was 100 percent Irish, and his visits to Ireland - first on his honeymoon in 1983, and again in 2011 - deepened his connection to his heritage. That bond evolved and was eventually reflected in Linguicity’s expansion to also include Irish and Scots Gaelic.

Incorporating phonetically diverse languages within a word game presented a unique set of challenges. “One of the biggest hurdles was creating a seamless gaming experience where only the selected ‘Language of Play’ (LoP) is actively used.” The solution came through a partnership with Paul Demers, an experienced programmer, who ensured that the app met the technical demands required by Apple and Google Play.

Starr notes that, beyond technical hurdles, the challenge of marketing the new app loomed large. “Reaching the right audience - whether language learners, educators, or heritage speakers - requires strategic outreach, partnerships, and visibility.”

Another issue was expanding Linguicity’s language offerings. With each new language, careful integration of vocabulary, linguistic rules, and cultural context was required. “Ensuring authenticity, while keeping the game accessible for both "fluent speakers and learners, is key.”

Despite those diffculties, Linguicity is now available worldwide in eight languages, including Irish and Scots Gaelic. “It has evolved into exactly what I envisioned - a game that not only entertains but also teaches, connects, and preserves language.”

Including Irish and Scots Gaelic was a no-brainer for Starr who takes pride in his ancestry.

“When I first created Linguicity, I focused on major Romance languages, but Irish and Scots Gaelic were always high on my list.”

The decision to add these languages solidified last summer when a family from Dublin knocked on his Rhode Island door looking for local maple syrup. “We started talking about Linguicity, and when I mentioned adding Irish, they were thrilled. That moment confirmed that now was the right time.”

While his knowledge of Irish and Scots Gaelic is still developing, Starr has committed to learning them. “I recently started taking an online Irish class, and I plan to begin Scots Gaelic classes soon before my first trip to Scotland.”

The greatest reward, he shares, has been seeing people engage with their heritage through language.

"Language is more than communication -

it’s a bridge to history, identity, and culture…”

Ultimately, Linguicity allows players to reconnect with their ancestral tongues while having fun. Users can interact with a language they are learning, or reconnect with a lost one, reinforcing Starr’s mission to make language learning engaging, meaningful, and accessible.

“Even as cultures blend, many people continue to cherish their own heritage while respecting others. Fostering an openness to multilingualism and cultural exchange strengthens global understanding and mutual respect.”

Starr has no plans to stop there, offering more than mere competitive gameplay by developing an “immersive solo journey mode” where players progress through AI-driven challenges while earning points for using multiple languages. Users will be able to unlock cultural and linguistic insights, from Irish proverbs to the origins of Scots Gaelic phrases. It’s about discovery, not just competition.

“Now that Linguicity is available worldwide, the next step is getting it into the hands of more players. I hope to inspire curiosity, connection, and a love for language that lasts a lifetime.”

reprinted with permission from Celtic Life International