233 PROMOTING A RESPECT FOR DIFFERENCE THROUGH LANGUAGE TEACHING Alistair Welsh (alistair.welsh@deakin.edu.au) Deakin University 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood VIC 3125, Australia Abstract: An emphasis on developing students’ moral and ethical character is evident in the 2013 National Indonesian Curriculum. In this article, I look at how respect for difference is reflected in the 2013 Indonesian National Curriculum, specifically referring to the second key competency area for senior high school English language. I also draw reference from academic literature that can be linked to this competency area of the English curricu- lum. Exploring theoretical links from the literature is useful to develop a deeper understanding of the importance of this key competency area. Dis- cussion explores the significance of respect for difference and the important role that English language teachers in Indonesia can play in promoting toler- ance. By understanding how culture can be used as a divisive force, we can more readily identify how teachers can develop a respect for difference in their students to help overcome intolerant attitudes that can lead to discrimi- nation. Keywords: tolerance, respect for difference, dialogism, critical thinking, na- tional Indonesian curriculum The 2013 Indonesian National Curriculum reflects an emphasis on character building that seeks to develop students’ personal attributes in terms of moral values and ethical behaviour. To discuss how this applies to the English lan- guage curriculum, I focus on the second key competency area of the English language curriculum for senior high school. In focusing on this competency ar- ea, I do not wish to imply that moral and ethical values are not also evident elsewhere in the curriculum. However, for the purposes of this publication, it is