Final answer:
East Asian musical instrument categorization differs from ethnomusicology's four main kinds (Aerophones, Chordophones, Membranophones, Idiophones) by often focusing on materials and cultural aspects of construction, rather than solely on the sound production method.
Step-by-step explanation:
The categorization of musical instruments in East Asian tradition differs from the generic system used in ethnomusicology. In ethnomusicology, a common classification system consists of four main kinds: Aerophones (wind instruments), Chordophones (stringed instruments), Membranophones (instruments with a membrane, such as drums), and Idiophones (self-sounding instruments). This system focuses on the method by which instruments produce sound.
East Asian categorization, on the other hand, is often based on materials and cultural aspects of instrument construction. This difference in classification systems highlights the interdisciplinary nature of ethnomusicology and its connection to cultural anthropology. It exemplifies a distinct approach to understanding the function and significance of musical instruments within different societies, also taking into account social status and experiences.