Promoting a respect for difference through language teaching

An emphasis on developing students’ moral and ethical characteris evident in the 2013 National Indonesian Curriculum. In this article, I lookat how respect for difference is reflected in the 2013 Indonesian NationalCurriculum, specifically referring to the second key competency area forsenior high school English language. I also draw reference from academicliterature that can be linked to this competency area of the English curriculum.Exploring theoretical links from the literature is useful to develop adeeper understanding of the importance of this key competency area. Discussionexplores the significance of respect for difference and the importantrole that English language teachers in Indonesia can play in promoting tolerance.By understanding how culture can be used as a divisive force, we canmore readily identify how teachers can develop a respect for difference intheir students to help overcome intolerant attitudes that can lead to discrimination.