But what colour were cricket balls originally?

It’s never easy to talk about your salary, but it might sometimes be necessary! How is it possible to do this without sounding rude or too desperate?
谈论薪金问题不是件容易事，但有时候非常必要。怎样才能温婉的而又不失礼节的说呢？
Imagine that you have been working for your company for three years, but you haven’t yet received a pay rise or a significant¹ bonus. You have decided² to raise this issue with your manager. What words and phrases might be useful in your conversation with him or her?
假设你在公司工作三年了，但是你从来没涨过薪水也没有其他福利。因此你决定与你的经理谈一下。你会用到什么样的词或短语呢？
Asking for a pay rise

Useful Phrases It’s a bit difficult, but … I really feel it’s about time I have made good progress I really feel that I’ve grown in the job I’ve taken on a lot more responsibility It’s time that it was recognised It’s time my efforts were rewarded I do believe that… …isn’t too much to ask Should I put this request in writing?
Transcript³
Abigail:Hi, are you free for a quick chat?
Mark:Sure, come in, come in. Sit down. What can I do for you?
Abigail:Okay. Well, it’s a bit difficult, but … I really feel that it’s about time that I had a pay rise.
Mark:Okay and why do you feel like that?
Abigail:Well, I have been here now for three years and in that time I have made good progress. I really feel that I’ve grown in the job and I’ve taken on a lot more responsibility. I just think it’s time that it was recognised and that my efforts were rewarded.
Mark:Right. So you feel that you’re on a low salary for your current position and current responsibilities, do you?
Abigail: Yeah, I do believe that what I’ve contributed（贡献） to the department over recent months means that I should be paid more. . BBC Learning⁴ English Page 1 of 2 bbclearningenglish.com
Mark: Abigail:  Okay, well, what kind of rise would you be looking for? Well, you know, I think that 3% on top of the usual annual rise with inflation（通货膨胀） isn’t too much to ask. 
Mark: Abigail:  Three per cent... Hmm. Right, well, as you know, I can’t just give you a pay rise immediately, just like that. I’ll have to discuss it with the other managers here. And, as you can imagine, there aren’t unlimited⁵ funds⁶ available for things like this. But you might be pleased to hear that we are having a pay review meeting very soon and I’ll make sure we discuss your request then. Okay, fine. Should I put this request in writing as well? So we all have a record of this discussion⁷? 
Mark:  Yes, that’d be a good idea. Email me and also copy it to human resources. 
（本文由在线英语听力整理编辑）

1 significant   

adj.相当数量的；意义重大的；意味深长的

参考例句：

• Your success today may be significant for your whole future.你今天的成功对你的整个未来可能是重要的。
• She cast him a significant smile.她向他投去意味深长的一笑。

2 decided   

adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的

参考例句：

• This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
• There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。

3 transcript   

n.抄本，誊本，副本，肄业证书

参考例句：

• A transcript of the tapes was presented as evidence in court.一份录音带的文字本作为证据被呈交法庭。
• They wouldn't let me have a transcript of the interview.他们拒绝给我一份采访的文字整理稿。

4 learning   

n.学问，学识，学习；动词learn的现在分词

参考例句：

• When you are learning to ride a bicycle,you often fall off.初学骑自行车时，常会从车上掉下来。
• Learning languages isn't just a matter of remembering words.学习语言不仅仅是记些单词的事。

5 unlimited   

adj.无限的，不受控制的，无条件的

参考例句：

• They flew over the unlimited reaches of the Arctic.他们飞过了茫茫无边的北极上空。
• There is no safety in unlimited technological hubris.在技术方面自以为是会很危险。

6 funds   

n.pl.资金

参考例句：

• He absconded with the company funds. 他卷走公司的资金潜逃了。
• They held a harambee meeting to raise funds for a new classroom. 他们为筹款建新教室而办了个募捐会。

7 discussion   

n.讨论，谈论；论述

参考例句：

• It is certain he will come to the discussion.他肯定会来参加讨论。
• After months of discussion,a peace agreement is gradually taking shape.经过几个月的商讨，和平协议渐渐有了眉目。