Final answer:
The Gullah were initially able to preserve their culture due to their isolated communities, the Gullah language, and their expertise in rice cultivation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Gullah were initially able to preserve their culture due to several factors. Firstly, the Gullah people lived in relatively isolated communities on the sea islands along the southeastern coast of the United States, which allowed them to maintain their cultural practices and traditions without too much outside influence. Secondly, the Gullah language, which was a creole blending African languages with English, served as a strong marker of their cultural identity and helped to preserve their distinct heritage. Finally, the Gullah people's expertise in rice cultivation and their contributions to the agricultural technology of the region allowed them to maintain their economic independence, which also played a role in preserving their culture.