Editing Slonim (section)

==Etymology and historical names==
Slonim has been known by several versions of its name as spoken by speakers of various languages: Сло́нім ([[Belarusian language| Belarusian]]), Słonim ([[Polish language |Polish]]), Сло́ним ([[Russian language |Russian]]). Slonim was first mentioned by scribes in chronicles in 1252 as ''Uslonim'' and in 1255 as ''Vslonim''. According to one account (which is also considered by some to be an official one), the name of the city originates from the Slavic word ''zaslona'' (a screen<ref>
{{langx |ru| заслон}}; {{langx |pl| zasłona}}
</ref>),
implying that the city once functioned as an outpost at the southern border of the [[Grand Duchy of Lithuania]]. Another version, proposed by Jazep Stabroŭski, states that "Slonim" derives from 'Užslenimas',{{cn|date=December 2023}} which in [[Lithuanian language | Lithuanian]] means "beyond the valley".