This ethnographic case study provides authentic insights into the intertextual negotiation processes for a particular merger-and-acquisition (M&A) transaction in the context of international legal practice, involving interdisciplinary legal and business professionals. Using genre and discourse analytical methodology, this study focuses on the interactional discourse practices and textual products used for negotiation of the primary sale and purchase agreement. By providing sociolinguistic insights into the M&A negotiation process, these research findings can promote a better understanding of the professional discourse activities and interactional role behaviors for this very important area of international business law practice.

This article reports on the use of discourse maps in conjunction with genre and discourse analysis to help teach communicative practices for contract negotiation. Using one map as a baseline to understand the intertextual process of negotiating a contract in communication with business clients and counterpart lawyers, other maps can zoom in and examine the discursive features of email genres, cover letters, and different versions of the contract under negotiation. The type of discourse maps developed in this study can be utilized for task-based writing materials and role-play activities that facilitate the authentic experience of negotiating a business deal.