She has lived in this city her whole life. she can speak two languages. she can sing an opera. she knows how to fix a tv. but she doesn’t know which subway train to take to get downtown. the author most likely includes this information to the reader infer that
esperanza’s mother is a great singer.
esperanza’s mother is not very smart.
esperanza’s mother is delighted with city life.
esperanza’s mother is not able to travel much.