Question 1

Could I say J'entends le camelot interpeller les gens instead of using qui?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use the infinitive here. With perception verbs like entendre or voir, using the infinitive (interpeller) focuses on the action as a whole. Using qui plus a conjugated verb (qui interpelle) emphasizes the person in the middle of doing the action, which often translates to the English '-ing' form ('calling out').

Question 2

The English translation says 'who is calling out', but could we translate this as 'I hear the vendor calling out'?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. In English, we frequently use the '-ing' form for this ('I hear him calling'). However, in French, you cannot use the present participle (like interpellant) after a perception verb. You must use either the qui structure we see in this sentence or the infinitive.

Question 3

Is camelot a general word for a salesperson?

Accepted Answer

No, a camelot is specifically a street vendor, hawker, or pitchman. It refers to someone selling goods in the street or at a market, typically loudly demonstrating their products to attract a crowd. You wouldn't use it for a standard shop assistant working inside a store.

Question 4

What is the difference between interpeller and a simpler verb like appeler?

Accepted Answer

While appeler just means 'to call' (like on the phone or calling someone by name), interpeller means to call out to someone, often suddenly or loudly, to grab their attention or question them. It perfectly describes a street vendor shouting to engage passing crowds.

J'entends le camelot qui interpelle les gens.

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