This paper focuses on the conventions governing arbitration practice of some of the most important dispute resolution institutions. The rules are analysed from a linguistic and rhetorical viewpoint in order to discern variations and differences and to ascertain whether any such dissimilarities can be seen to be the result of the interference from intercultural factors and, in particular, from divergences in legal cultures. To that end, the general legal framework of international arbitration and the problems connected with it are outlined and discussed.