The most accurate response regarding how East African culture was impacted by trade in the Indian Ocean trade network is:
Traders from Asia and the Middle East settled in East Africa and shared their cultural ideas, especially their religions.
This statement reflects the significant influence of Arab and Persian traders on the culture of the East African coastal regions, particularly within the Swahili city-states. These traders introduced Islam, which became a dominant religion in the area, along with various cultural practices, languages, and architectural styles that enriched the local traditions.