Emic / Etic are the definitions adopted by Kenneth L. Pike to denote two different approaches to the study of such subjects as language or culture, emic – the approach is one that deals with a particular language or culture, while etic – the approach has general applicability.
In semiotic studies, signs can be examined ethically or emically. A character typology applicable to multiple systems will be etic, while the description of character functions applicable to a particular system will be emic.
